Biography

Joe Pendergrast was raised on a cattle farm south of Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Cass Midway High School, where he played football and served as the Missouri State Treasurer for the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. After graduating in 1986, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Machinist's Mate and completed the Navy's nuclear power training program.

Joe later earned a Navy ROTC scholarship to the University of Missouri, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Following additional nuclear power training, he served aboard the USS Kentucky, a ballistic missile submarine. During his final naval assignment, he instructed Reactor Dynamics and Core Construction at the Navy Nuclear Power School.

After his military service, Joe built a successful career in the energy industry, working with companies including General Electric and Ethos Energy. He recently retired from Ethos Energy after serving as a Project Manager in Operations.

Joe and his wife, Sandy, moved to Sebastian, Florida, in 2024. They have two adult children, both university graduates, and attend Coastal Community Church. Outside the classroom, Joe enjoys tackling DIY home and automotive projects, 3D printing, flying his powered paraglider, watching football, and spending time with family and friends. He also volunteers with his church, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Next Generation Veterans of Indian River County.

Life Verses

Colossians 3:23–24
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Romans 10:9
"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri