John William "Bill" Pennington, Sr.

Born in Memphis, TN on August 26, 1927, to Alice Imogene Stites and Pink Pennington, he graduated from Columbia Military Academy, then joined the Marines where he served as a Staff Sargent in WWII.

He attended Southwestern University in Memphis for one semester because, as he often said, "it didn't take me as long as most people to finish."

In 1950 Bill married Norma Faye Smith and they were married for 50 years, before her death in 2000. Bill and Norma were lifelong members of Central Christian Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday school teacher.

Bill concluded his 65-year career in furniture sales at Stylecraft.

He was a founding member of Memphis' Old Time Car Club, and the Model A Club. Bill also enjoyed model trains, and, in his later years, learning karate. He gave blood every time Lifeblood called, donating over 7 gallons over a 27 year period.

Bill leaves behind a loving family: daughter Penni Pennington Walker (Don), sons Bill Pennington, Jr. (Mary) and Randy Pennington (Candy); grandchildren Amy Pennington Rahn (Preston), Brian Pennington, Andrew Pennington (Richelle) and Matthew Pennington. He also leaves two devoted caregivers, Orlenda Williams and Tricia MacDonald. Bill was predeceased by a daughter, Pamela Ann Pennington.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and the funeral will be Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m., both at Memphis Funeral Home, Poplar Chapel.

Memorials may be sent to Central Christian Church, 531 S. McLean, Memphis, TN 38104 (cccmemphistn.org).