Roland Jerry Pennell

Jerry was born to Russell James and Virgie Mae (Boston) Pennell in Lenoir, NC. He graduated from Warwick High School, Class of 1956. The following year he attended North Carolina State University to pursue an engineering degree. In the summer months he worked for Woodrow W. Ford Pile Driving Company as a Field Engineering Supervisor. It was during this period that Jerry was introduced to his future love, Barbara J. Monahan. On Feb. 10, 1962 they were joined together in marriage in Princess Anne County, VA.

After briefly serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, Jerry started his business career as a life insurance agent with John Hancock. Several years later, he found his niche as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, becoming a top producer in his complex until retiring with over 32 years of service. During his career, Jerry was recognized for many accomplishments; but the one for which he felt most proud of was a feature article in the local newspaper, which recognized him as the "Doctor of Money". It was a genuine tribute to how much he loved what he did and how much he cared about his clients.

Living most of his life in Hampton Roads, Jerry was a past member of the Norfolk Host Lions Club and worshiped at Bayside Presbyterian Church. Jerry loved traveling, spending time at the beach, watching sunsets all over the world, and hot air ballooning; but most importantly, he had a passion for spending time with his family and friends. Jerry was often referred to as having a heart of gold. He had the amazing ability to light up a room with his personality and charm. Jerry never met a stranger and possessed a smile that was nothing short of contagious for anyone around him. Simply said: "He loved." Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and companion.

Jerry is survived by his longtime companion, Marilyn A. Brummer; son, T. Brian Pennell and his wife Kirsten N. Pennell of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter, Melissa D. (Pennell) Cantrell and her husband Arthur R. Cantrell, II of Denver, CO; two grandchildren, Connor H. Pennell and Autumn B. Cantrell; brother, Keith R. Pennell and his wife Dale P. Pennell of Newport News, VA; brother-in-law, Richard T. Monahan and his wife Sandy B. Monahan of Fort Mill, SC; and a number of extended family and friends whom Jerry felt very fortunate to have in his life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Virgie Mae Pennell, and his wife, Barbara Monahan Pennell.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 16 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and funeral services will be on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11:00 a.m., both at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Va. Beach, VA 23462. Jerry will be laid to rest at Rosewood Memorial Park immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the United Way of South Hampton Roads (www.unitedwayshr.org) or The Virginia Zoo (www.virginiazoo.org).