Herbert Pennington

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 the Lord saw our beloved husband, dad and friend fight his last battle and took him home to live with Him.

In celebration of Herbert's life, visitation will be Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd. from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

As you shared in his life, we invite you to share in the celebration of his home going. The celebration will be Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church, 2915 14th Ave., Columbus, GA. The pastor, Dr. Jeffrey Amsbaugh will lead the celebration. Pallbearers will be: Dewayne Jenkins, Wendell Doswell, Ray Kingsbury, Alan Hammock, Jamie Snider and Jarrell McLendon. John Rogers will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Interment will follow in Parkhill Cemetery.

SGM Pennington was born to the late Emmitt and Kallie Pennington on April 8, 1932 in Mountain City, TN. He served in the United States Army for 27 years. During his tours in Korea and Vietnam he became highly decorated, receiving the following: Army Commendation Medal w 1 OLC, Combat Infantryman Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 OLC, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1 Campaign Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Silver Star, Presidential Unit Citation, 2 Overseas Service Bars and a Meritorious Service Medal. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher for 15 years. His favorite Bible verse was Jeremiah 33:3. SGM Pennington was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Pennington and James W. Pennington.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Mary E. Pennington of Columbus; four daughters, Shelia Gay Winston of Mountain City, TN, Linda Strickland of Columbus, Theresa Alexander of Mountain City, TN and Susan A. Barbee of Columbus; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a brother, Ernest Pennington of Mountain City, TN.

We would like to send a special thank you to so many for all their prayers and acts of kindness during Herbert's illness and home going. Your acts of kindness are our joy and comfort. Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.