Franklin (“Frank”) Perry Penney went to his heavenly home on May 5, 2023. Frank was a devoted and loving husband to Fran, devoted father to Ashlie, Andrea and Alex, Sunday school teacher, airplane pilot, Harley Davidson rider and decorated Vietnam War Veteran. Frank lived life to the fullest and was a wonderful friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
Frank was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 29, 1946, almost exactly one year after the end of World War II as the second child of Plato Perry Penney and Mary Elizabeth Penney. Frank’s older brother, almost ten years his senior, James (“Jim”) Penney was very influential in his life as Frank’s father passed away when he was nine years old. Jim taught Frank how to work on cars, and Frank remained a “car guy” his entire life. Frank would also follow in Jim’s footsteps in military service.
Frank went on to graduate from Ensley High School in Birmingham and went into military service in the United States Army in 1967. After graduating from basic training, Frank was stationed in Vietnam in 1968. His tour coincided exactly with the Tet Offensive being the peak of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Frank was an 11 Bravo (Light Weapons Infantryman) during the war and participated in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. The U.S. sustained heavy losses during this period but ultimately prevailed. Frank’s actions during this period of fierce fighting earned him the Bronze Star with a “V” device for valor, Air Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. The Birmingham newspaper identified Frank as a hero for his actions in Vietnam.
Upon Frank’s return from Vietnam in 1969, he married Fran Noles and they settled in Birmingham. Frank would go on to graduate from Jefferson State Community College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham after which he would spend almost the next 40 years in the insurance business. Primarily working for Amerisure Insurance Company, his travels took him across the south as he handled loss prevention for businesses small and large. Frank’s familiarity with roads throughout the south was legendary as it was not uncommon pre GPS for friends and family to call Frank for directions throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Frank had many passions in this life, he loved his family, he obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying, he loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his friends, member of the Lions Club, always talked about the beach and the mountains of East Tennessee, never missed an Alabama football game on tv and always enjoyed attending games in person but most importantly, Frank loved the Lord. Frank was a devout believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Meadow Brook Baptist Church. Frank served in the role of a Sunday School teacher for years and was seen many a day studying his lesson for the week.
In 2022, Frank suffered a debilitating stroke. Never one to take a minute’s break, the stroke took a toll but Frank continued to fight hard for a recovery. During this recovery period, Frank was again recognized for his efforts in the Vietnam War and lifetime of support for the U.S. armed forces with the presentation of the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal issued by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and Major General Janson Boyles. Despite being severally ill and in a wheelchair, upon receiving the award, Frank returned the salute one last time.
Frank is preceded in death by his father Plato Perry Penney, his mother Mary Elizabeth Brown, his step-father Alfred Brown and his brother James (Jim) Penney.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Fran Penney, his daughter Ashlie Penney Hilliard, his son-in-law Terry Hilliard, his daughter Andrea Penney Still, his son- in-law Parker Still, his son Alex Penney, his daughter-in-law Brooke Penney, his grandchildren Abby Hilliard Mitchel and her husband Lane, Tess Hilliard Whittington and her husband Tucker, Brooklyn Penney, Hays Still, Mason Penney, Brooks Still and many nieces and nephews.
Frank’s funeral will be held on Tuesday May 16, 2023, at 12:30 pm with visitation from 10:30-12:30 pm at Brantley Funeral Home in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Officiating the service will be Pastor Oscar Geeslin of Meadow Brook Baptist Church. Following the funeral, Frank will be interred at West TN Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Meadow Brook Baptist Church in Byhalia, MS - 13862 Red Banks Road North Byhalia, MS 38611.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Penney family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18