Richard Penton

Dwight Richard Penton made his journey to his heavenly home, Thursday, October 15, 2020, he was 70 years of age. October was Richard’s favorite month, so it seems appropriate that as autumn leaves were beginning to fall, his time with us on earth came to an end. Richard was born in Montgomery, Alabama on January 10, 1950 to Olene Jones Penton and Dwight Moody Penton, both now deceased. Richard and his sister Jane grew up under their parents’ Christian leadership, regularly attending church as a family at Capitol Heights Baptist Church in Montgomery.

Richard is survived by his sister, Jane Moody Penton; his former wife and lifelong friend, Betty Davis and her children, Clare D-W Chin and Micah Davis-Wheeler.

After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Richard went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from his beloved Troy State University. He was active in the Baptist Student Ministries at Troy and an avid supporter throughout his life of Troy Trojans football and a faithful contributing member of the Alumni Association. With hopes of becoming a campus minister, Richard earned a Master of Religious Education Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was also proud to serve in the Air National Guard from 1969 to 1976.

Throughout a diverse and accomplished career, Richard worked in Personnel Administration and Public Relations with two hospitals in Birmingham and an Electric Cooperative. Later, he gained experience as a realtor which led to his 30-year career with the State of Alabama as a Real Estate Manager for the Department of Labor. Richard‘s dedication, positive attitude, and commendable work ethic did not go unnoticed by supervisors and fellow employees.

Richard had a passion for writing and was a reliable wordsmith who loved writing articles, editing for others, and eloquently shared his love of all things Alabama on local talk radio. He also spent many years participating in the Dixie Lions Club of Montgomery where he served as president twice, finding their work with the Schools for the Blind very meaningful. He also served as president for the Neighborhood Watch Association in Equality where he demonstrated his devotion to the local community.

As a dedicated Christian, Richard took every opportunity to share his faith and give God the glory for the many blessings of his life. His faith helped him remain positive and hopeful no matter what challenges he faced personally. After receiving his Lay Preacher certification he was eager to lead worship and preach when called upon. He also supported Equality church projects including Food Bank distribution and children’s ministries. He was appreciated for his passionate singing of hymns through which he expressed the joy of his faith. Many in Equality refer to him as their “singing (unofficial) Mayor.”

In 2005, Richard married Betty Davis, a Troy College classmate and longtime friend. They shared a passion for ministry as Betty had an M. Div. Degree from Union Seminary in New York, and practiced as a licensed pastoral counselor. She has two children from a previous marriage, Clare and Micah Davis-Wheeler. Betty and Richard also shared a passion for nature and hoped to try their hand at country living when they married. It seemed miraculous when the James Lee Renton family home that had been out of the family for years became available for sale just as Richard and Betty were looking for a country home. Richard felt truly at home on “the farm” and in the loving community of Equality. Through the years, Richard was a devoted husband and life partner to Betty, and loving parent and Christian role model for Clare and Micah.

Above all else, Richard wanted to be remembered for dedicating his life to bringing glory to Jesus Christ, for serving others in the name of Jesus, and for being a good man, a loving husband, and devoted father. As we celebrate his life, we can say with assurance that he achieved his goals.

A funeral service for Richard will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Alabama. Reverend Dr. Harris Cook will officiate and Jenny McLemore Cook will be the soloist at the service.