Coach Frederick D. Pennington, 93, of Mount Dora passed away March 16, 2020.
Born December 18, 1926, in Algoma, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Robert Ellis and Pearl Ham Pennington. Earning scholarships in both baseball and basketball, Mr. Pennington graduated from Concord College and began his teaching and coaching careers at North Fork High School in North Fork, WVA.
After moving to Florida in 1959, he resumed his passion for teaching and coaching basketball at Maynard Evans High School in Orlando as the school's junior varsity basketball coach where he also served as athletic director until 1975. After becoming the school's varsity basketball coach, his first varsity team won 20 games in the 1961-1962 season. His 1968 team was state runner-up and in 1975, he led his Trojans to win the state championship. His cumulative record was 340 wins and only 79 losses. He amassed 9 metro conference championships, 5 district championships and 2 regional championships. He was in the Metro Conference Hall of Fame and the Evans High School Hall of Fame as a coach and an administrator. His coaching career spanned from 1959-1976. One of his players, Darryl Dawkins, was the first player drafted directly out of high school into the NBA, signing with the Philadelphia 76'ers. During his time at Evans, Mr. Pennington continued his education and earned a Master's Degree from Florida State University.
During his tenure as head coach at Evans, he created more championship teams than any other coach in the high school's history. He was often heard to say "a good coach does more than produce good players. He builds great teams". Coach Pennington was honored by having the gymnasium at the old high school named after him. Coaches from opposing schools called the gym "the Snake Pit".
On May 8, 2014, Mr. Pennington was recognized and honored by the Honorable Daniel Webster in the Florida House of Representatives for his dedication to the students and athletes of Central Florida. His remarks became part of the Congressional Record on that day. That same year, the Fred Pennington Endowment Fund was established in honor of Coach Pennington for the impact he had on students both on and off the court during his tenure at Evans High School. The fund provides scholarships for Maynard Evans High School graduating seniors who are male or female basketball players or cheerleaders from low-income families and are desirous of attending a technical/vocational school, college or university.
Mr. Pennington was a 32nd Degree Freemason. He enjoyed many things including playing bridge and pool, working in his yard, going on cruises and visiting with his former "Trojan" students and athletes.
Coach Pennington is survived by the love of his life, Jane R. Pennington, with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage on December 26, 2019. He is also survived by his nephew, Butch Uzzo and his wife, Joanne of Spring Hill, Florida; and his nieces, Debbie Love of Ocoee, Florida and Carol Hardin of Springfield, Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Otis Pennington and Leo Pennington, his sisters Retta Uzzo and Maxine Hardin and his son, Frederick D. Pennington, Jr.
We would like to express our appreciation to the staff at Osprey Lodge, especially Pam Williams, for treating Mr. Pennington as their family and taking special care of him during his residence there.
Due to the Covid-19 virus, a man who deserves the most will get the least therefore services and burial will be private. Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring his memory at a celebration of his life to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Fred Pennington Endowment Fund, Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, c/o Deborah Pedraza, 445 W. Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32801.
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