Kim “Tax” Pendleton, 45, of Danville, passed this life at 7:10 am, Monday, July 23, 2012 at Danville’s Provena Hospital. Kim is the son of MacArthur Pendleton (Kathy) of Jefferson, IN and Ms. Delores “Soc” Pendleton of Danville. Kim was born on December 18, 1966 in Danville and attended Danville High School.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His parents, seven children: Ashley Hale of Danville, IL; Jordan Patton of Rantoul, IL; Brittany Patton of Champaign, IL; Sausha Durae and Shakina of Illinois; and Trevys Pendleton and Austina “Nikki” Cotten of Danville, IL. He has two grandchildren: Lee’Andrea and Marcus. He also leaves his brother Mark (Carla) Pendleton of Ratcliff, KY and his sister Tameka Rowell of Danville, IL. He is also survived by his wife, friend, and love Tia Pendleton. During this time of loss, he also has left behind nephews, nieces, many cousins, and a world full of friends to mourn his passing. In addition, he is leaving behind a life-long friend and sister Malaika Williams.

Kim loved sports, beginning football and baseball at eight years old. Basketball came in the fifth grade. And he excelled in them all. As he grew older, he focused on football in high school, becoming a place kicker on varsity as a freshman. He loved talking about sports with his nephews and friends. He also loved spending time with his mom “Soc” and talking to her about everything in his life as she continually encouraged him to be the greatest barber and man he could be.

He was a scholar of the word of God. His favorite thing to do was watching preachers, studying, and seeking out answers to scriptural questions. He talked about God during every haircut or shave. He always had scripture debates with his clients while also telling the teenagers to not live as he used to, but learn who they were in Christ and live for Him. He talked to his father every single day about scripture, life and his place in God; for which Mac was so happy to receive his calls and give him great guidance. He talked to Pastor Keys very often about all things Christ. They had frequent discussions to help deepen Kim’s knowledge and understanding of the Word.

Kim was many things to many people: a son, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend, the best barber you could ever have. When he showed you who he really was, you knew that you were blessed to know the true person that lived inside of him. He was fiercely loyal and protective over those who were lucky enough to be called family and friends. You definitely knew when he loved you. He never had a hateful word or thought for those that were close to him. He would listen to and help you any time he could. He always had an encouraging word for his loved ones and he had a kindness that you rarely experience.

Kim was exactly who he showed you he was. He was a boy, then man; an enemy, then friend; chaos, then peace. The difference was made as his relationship with God grew. He accepted who he was in God and was on fire to give everything he learned to others.

From his pain grew joy, and from his struggle came triumph, and he leaves us behind who love and will surely miss him; but he also leaves us with the gratitude that he touched our lives and we were blessed to have him.

A Celebration of Life will commence at 11am Saturday, July 28, 2012 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 North Bowman Ave., Danville. Visitation will begin at 10am until the start of the service. An additional visitation will commence from 1-6pm Friday July 27, 2012 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 East Williams Street, Danville, with the family present from 5-6pm. Officiating: Pastor Bobby R. Keys. Interment: Spring Hill Cemetery. Leek & Sons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.