Pendergrass, who has served as president of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association, has diverse interests in other business partnerships, as well as being named Franklin County Farm Family of 1986. His cattle business (Pendergrass) was named recipient of the National Stocker Award by Beef Magazine in 2008.

For all his contributions to community, state and industry and for strong support of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas, the Department names John Frank Pendergrass as "Friend".