Sherwood Douglas Pendergraft, 80, of Holden Beach, NC (formerly of Apex) peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Sherwood was born on August 15, 1946, in Apex, NC and was the son of the late Ernest William Pendergraft and Lois Virginia Goolsby Pendergraft.  He was also predeceased by his brothers Carl Pendergraft and Ricky Pendergraft and sister-in-law Cindy; son, Sherwood Douglas Pendergraft, Jr. (Bud); and brother-in-law, Robert Webster. He was also predeceased by his close friend and neighbor, Moe Mosbey.

Sherwood worked at Almay (Apex), Progress Energy/CP&L, and NC State University. He retired from NC State University as a Warehouse Manager,  with a total of 35 years of service. Over the years, Sherwood loved to fish at local ponds and lakes, as well as at the coast with his friend Sam Strickland, dance the two-step, go to flea markets and yard sales, cook out, and take immaculate care of his truck. After relocating to the coast with his sister, Kathy, and brother-in-law, he enjoyed fishing in the canal and waterway, eating out, completing puzzles, and sitting in the sun watching the pelicans fly over. He especially enjoyed placing food and pet supplies in the local blessing boxes. Because of his generous nature, Sherwood was also an organ donor. The family is grateful that he was able to help someone else – a very honorable act on his part.

Surviving are his sisters Brenda P. Webster (Robert) and Kathy P. Lambert (Mike); daughter Kelly R. McDowell (Bryan); three grandchildren, Dean McDowell (Grace), Brianna McDowell, and Nikki Neil; two great-grandchildren with one on the way; nieces Lauren Cohen (Craig), Megan Tharp (Kenneth), Ellison Lambert (Eli Thomas -fiancé); and nephew Carl Pendergraft Jr. Also surviving is special cousin Sandra Strickland; close friend Elliott Shaver; and Sherwood’s best furry friend, Gracie, who spent eight years by his side.

The family thanks the nurses and doctors who provided care to Sherwood over the years and especially those who cared for him during his recent hospital stay in ICU at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

A gathering of family and friends will be held in Apex later in the fall. Donations may be made in Sherwood’s memory to The Lord’s Food Pantry, 3610 Express Dr., Shallotte, NC 28470; Brunswick County Animal Services, PO Box 92, Supply, NC 28462; or Christian Recovery Centers Inc, 520 Mulberry St., Shallotte, NC 28470.