Mr. Jimmie Lane Pennington, age 77, of Prosperity/ Beckley WV, passed away on Monday August 30, 2021 at his home with his wife and daughter, Cheryl at his bedside. He had courageously endured 30 years of rheumatoid arthritis and complications. He was born January 27, 1944 at Edmund, WV, the son of Jimmie Lee and Blanche Stroud Pennington. His family moved to the Beckley area after WWII.
Preceding him in death are both his parents and one grandson, Joshua Herrington. Those who survive to cherish his memory are his caring wife, of 57 years, Ella Mae Clemens Pennington, his daughters Cheryl Pennington Herrington(husband Michael) of Raleigh, NC; Cathy Pennington Mertz (husband Mark) of Greenville, WI and Cindy Pennington Walker(husband Jeff) of Jumping Branch, WV. and one sister, Diane Pennington McNabb(husband Craig)of Atlanta, GA. The surviving grandchildren are James Herrington, Lauren Mertz, John Mertz, Levi Walker and Amelia Walker. There are also two great-grandchildren, Judah Herrington and Harlo Herrington.
Jimmie was a graduate of Woodrow High School and Concord College with a BS degree in elementary education. He also earned a Masters degree in elementary education administration from WVU. In his career he worked a short while in Cincinnati, OH. Then returning to WV he was a teacher and principal in local schools: Slab Fork, Midway, and Mabscott elementary schools.
Jimmie was always a diligent and hard worker even in his childhood and youth. He had a paper route for years and sold fruit and handcraft items to the neighbors. In his adult years he grew a large garden, sold and gave away produce, and preserved much of it. He and the family enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, he built the family home with his own two hands and help from family.
Jimmie loved to travel and he and his wife and daughters traveled to most of the US and to many foreign countries. He also was a great outdoorsman. He liked to rabbit and squirrel hunt, but he especially enjoyed fishing and was the envy of his fellow fishermen in catching the most. Above all, he loved and protected his family. He was always very aware of safety measures with both his family and his students.
The memorial service for Mr.Pennington will be 4:00PM Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. The officiating minister will be Pastor David Bush from Crab Orchard Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Friends and family are urged and invited to attend. The usual Covid precautions will be used.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and Dr. Pitsenbarger of Hospice for their help and support.
Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Donations in Jimmie’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.
Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be serving the Pennington family.
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