Former Dresden Mayor Mike Pentecost dies unexpectedly at 73
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DRESDEN, Tenn. — A longtime West Tennessee leader was mourned Monday, but those who knew former Dresden mayor Mike Pentecost say he leaves quite the legacy behind. Friends say Pentecost passed away Sunday at 73 from an unexpected illness, and his friends and colleagues said he was someone who grew better with age. Weakley County General Sessions Judge Tommy Moore said Pentecost’s passing is like “a giant oak has fallen in the forest of Dresden.” Friends believe he suffered either a stroke or heart attack. Current Mayor Jeff Washburn says he’s one of many who looked up to Pentecost. “Mike Pentecost has been a role model — he has for me,” he said. Pentecost served as mayor from 1985 to 1998, but it’s his genuine nature many say they remember most. “It was because of a personal relationship, and Mike was able to do that time and time again,” Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum said. Bynum says Mike Pentecost had a close relationship with former governor Ned McWherter, but it wasn’t just a political relationship. They were good friends, like he tried to be with everyone, Bynum said. Moore served with Pentecost on the city Board of Aldermen.
“I think one of the better mayors that we have, but he was maybe the best ex-mayor we ever had because he became even more involved in the community after he retired from his duties as mayor,” Moore said.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Dresden First United Methodist Church. Pentecost leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Sarah Ann, his daughter, Lynn, and his mother along with his three grandchildren.
