Charles Pennington

Charles Emmitt Pennington was born April 16, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio to Rufus and Syleano Pennington. To his friends and family, he was known as Charles, Chuck and Chino. He received the name Chino from his portrayal of the character “Chino” of West Side Story in a play at Glenville High School. His performance left such an impression that the nickname “Chino” stayed with him the rest of his life. His acting skills grew to land him roles in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and the Netflix series “Stranger Things”. In high school he was known as a charmer and was named best dressed of his senior class.

Charles lived a joyful, spirited life filled with love, laughter, and movement. He loved to sing and if music was playing you would be sure to see him dancing. He was also very committed to martial arts. He practiced taekwondo as a teenager and continued to compete nationally into adulthood and was inducted into the Ohio Taekwondo Hall of Fame.

Charles had a playful charm and a warm smile that made people gravitate toward him. He held a lifelong devotion to his mother and brothers, keeping them close in his heart no matter the distance or time.

Charles will be remembered for his humor, his energy, his passion, and the way he made every person around him feel valued. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—children, grandchildren, family, and friends—who will continue to carry his spirit forward.

Charles “Chino” Pennington is survived by his mother Syleano Pennington, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Most of their names are listed on the program. Even those not listed are remembered.

Though he is no longer with us, his love remains, shining brightly through the generations he leaves behind.

May he rest in peace and dance his way into eternity.

A visitation will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, located at 3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA, 30084, USA, on December 1, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue on December 1, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

Following the Celebration of Life, a reception will be held at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens on December 1, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.