Jackie Leon Pennington "Big Jack", 82, of Baytown, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jack will be remembered for his strength, humor, and unwavering love for family and community.
Born on September 11, 1943, in Hopkins County, Texas, Jack was the son of Carroll Pennington and Mary Evelyn Thibodeaux. From humble beginnings, he built a life defined by hard work, loyalty, and grit. He proudly served his country as a decorated Navy veteran, receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic conduct upon the U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43). Jack married the love of his life, Joyce Pennington where their 63-year marriage stood as a testament to enduring love and mutual devotion.
Jack worked as a heavy equipment and auto repair mechanic and was also known for his unmatched ability to solve any mechanical challenge—earning him the affectionate title of “King of Redneck Ingenuity.”
A man of great faith and community spirit, Jack served as Fire Chief for Baytown Volunteer Fire Department Station #3, was a member of the Baytown Emergency Corps and the American Legion, as well as co-founded the Bayshore Fine Rides car club, where he proudly showcased his beloved ’57 Chevy Bel Air, known as the “PawPaw’s Pride.”
Known for being strong-willed, kind-hearted, and dependable, Jack found his greatest joy in simple pleasures: racing, sharing coffee with friends, spending time with his grandchildren, working on antique cars, and caring for animals.
Jack is survived by his wife, Joyce Pennington; son, Jack Lynn Pennington (Robin); daughter, Kimberly Brown (Sammy); grandchildren, Richard Summersill, Randy Thibodaux, Bobby Thibodaux, Nikkie Malone, Jackie Moss and Amanda Brown; great-grandchildren, Caden, Leo, Kameron, Jayce, Genevieve, Dennis, Timothy, Canaan, Kolton and Avery; and his favorite aunt Emily Allen. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Cary Pennington.
Serving as pallbearers will be Barry Moody, Casey Horton, Justin Davis, John O'Brien, Chris Malone, Kolton Veach, Richard Burk, and James Vaughn. Honorary Pallbearers Steven Matthews, Johnny Jackson, Milton Sellers and Sammy Brown
The family kindly requests casual attire (Bib Overalls), as Jack wasn’t a fancy man.
