Bob was born March 14, 1931, the son of Mary Alice and Percy V. Pennybacker Jr. and spent most of his life in Austin. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School, he attended Southwestern University in Georgetown before serving three years in the United States Air Force. Bob graduated with a degree in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin in 1957 and was an avid Longhorn fan, especially of Lady Longhorns basketball. He spent the majority of his professional career with the Texas Highway Department, retiring with 25 years of service in 1993. Bob was very proud that the iconic Percy V. Pennybacker Jr. Bridge over Lake Austin was named for his father.
Bob married Sarah Elizabeth “Sallie” Ervin on June 20, 1956. They had four children: Mary Ervin, Paul David, Edwena Anne, and Ruth Adele. An original member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, Bob was a faithful lay leader there for many years, including service on the Vestry and as Junior Warden, and later became a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. He found great pleasure in his work on the board of directors at Zachary Scott Theatre, with Adoption Knowledge Affiliates (AKA), with Kappa Alpha fraternity, and lived out his Christian witness as an active member of the Episcopal Cursillo community. Bob’s patient and gentle spirit lent a sense of calm to those around him and inspired loyal and devoted friendships in all walks of his life.
Preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sallie, Bob is survived by his children, Mary and David Plaisance, Paul Pennybacker, Edwena Pennybacker, and Ruth and Dave Erb; grandchildren Susan and Josh Baerenwald, Sarah Plaisance, and Ethan Erb. He is also survived by his “adopted” son Matthew Johnson, his wife Angie and their children, Ian and Reeves; and by cousins Putty and Dick MacWherter and Ann Moody. The family would like to thank the staff at Colonial Gardens who cared so lovingly for Bob in the last years of his life.
A memorial Eucharist in celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive, 78759. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Bob to St. George’s Episcopal Church, 4301 North IH-35, 78722, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice.
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