King Terrance J. “TJ” Pendleton, 51, passed away at 4:05 pm Thursday, May 8, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.
TJ was born August 3, 1973, in Galesburg the son of Clarance James and Estherline (Spinks) Pendleton. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1992 where he excelled in football and basketball. The 1991 football team was inducted into the GHS Hall of Fame in 2013. He later graduated from Carl Sandburg College with his associates degree and then transferred to Central Methodist College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. TJ had also obtained his CDL license.
He met and married Hope Holmquist, from that union they had four children, Tera Pendleton and Terrance J. “TJ” Pendleton, II both of Peoria, Tiara Pendleton and Tia Pendleton both of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Also, surviving is his mother, Estherline (the late Grant, Sr.) Duncan of Peoria, his father, Clarance J. (Beverly Ann) Pendleton of Galesburg; his siblings, Heather (Patrick) Shepherd and Heidi Pettis both of Peoria, Clarance Jackson of Kansas City, Lyric Pendleton of Iowa, KaeVahn Pendleton, Derrick Pendleton and Michael Pendleton all of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Talia, Tai, Kenni, King, Terrance J. III and Jayden; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
TJ was met in heaven by his maternal grandparents, AC and Laura Spinks, his paternal grandparents, James Pendleton and Esther Beverly Pendleton, Uncles and Aunts, Rev. Calvin Spinks, Emma Sargent, Mattie Mixon, Lester “Boo” Spinks, Corina “Bitsy” Spinks and Robert L. Spinks, and Deacon Grant Duncan, Sr.
TJ worked for Carl Sandburg College for over 15 years as a security guard and as a residential caretaker for Bridgeway for over 5 years. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing or working in his yard or garden. TJ’s love for basketball continued and would play with friends whenever time allowed. He was known as a guy that could fix things, also tinkering around with electrical work or remodeling his home. TJ’s greatest love was his family and spending time with them.
TJ accepted Jesus Christ into his life at an early age being baptized at the New Home Missionary Baptist Church.
Visitation is scheduled for 4:00-7:00 pm Friday, May 23, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Central Congregational Church, Galesburg. TJ will be laid to rest next to family in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to his family to establish a memorial at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
