John Michael Penton

John was the second of two sons born to David and Cherryl Penton. He was raised in Mt. Juliet and attended Mt. Juliet High School. Several years later, he sought and obtained his GED. Throughout his career he worked various positions until he found his true passion in the work of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He also loved being the many different mascots for all the senior adult events. He worked there for nearly 20 years.

John was devoted and loving to his family, and was especially doting on his precious granddaughter, Sophia. He was a caring and loyal friend who will be missed by those that knew him best. They will miss his laugh, his warm hugs, and his generosity. He was the go-to guy for organizing Friday night dinners with his core group of friends. He was always up for a road trip, especially if it involved classic cars, rollercoasters or the beach. John was a fan of most sports including the University of Tennessee football, the Tennessee Titans, and the Nashville Predators.

John was preceded in death by his father, David Penton; mother, Cherryl Lee; stepfather, Harvey Lee; stepbrothers, Eddie and Mike Lee; and stepson, Cody Mattes. He is survived by his brother, David ‘Marty’ Penton (Kristi); stepbrothers, Vernon ‘Bo’ Lee (Bonnie) and Jeff Lee; stepdaughter, Cheyene Mattes; granddaughter, Sophia Ritchison; and best friend, Mary Davis as well as aunts, Loretta Alleman and Barbara Helton (Malcolm); uncle, Mike Penton; cousins Blaine Alleman (Regina), Mandy McFerrin (Jeff), Racheal Penton, and Megan Helton, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather to remember John at a visitation on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Celebration of Life service following from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with Pastor Donovan Drake officiating at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205. Graveside service will be at 12:30 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37205 in Memory of John Penton.