John "Johnny" Penland Sr.

John was born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina on September 20, 1946. He attended Newport News High School, graduated from Virginia Barber College in 1965, and then served two years in the United States Army during Vietnam. He was employed at Newport News Shipyard as a welding specialist for seven years, then in other shipyards for another six years. Soon after, he established J.H. Penland Contracting and Home Improvement. He loved his vocation and finally retired in 2017. He dearly loved spending time with his wife and family, restoring his antique truck and remodeling his house with his wife. His parents, James Penland and Nora Belle Penland, preceded John in death. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Connie Lee Austin Penland; his son, John Penland Jr. (Teressa) of Yorktown; daughter, Kristen Penland (Keri) of Hampton; brother, James Penland Jr. of Gloucester; sister-in-law, Barbara Bruner (John) of Vinton. Also, three brothers-in-law: Ron Austin (Marlene) of Glen Allen; Billy Austin (Beverly) of Crewe and Steve Austin of Lynchburg. Seven beautiful grandchildren: Logan Penland, Peyton Penland, Kristi Penland, Zoey Penland, Braxten Penland, Mason Penland, and Drew Johansen. He loved his many nieces, nephews, and extended family, and especially wished to recognize Judy Bononia of Mulga, AL and Helen Holsclaw of Gloucester. John was a special and gentle man who loved Jesus. We find comfort in the guarantee that he is with His Lord. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 5 from 2pm until 5pm at 13 Holiday Drive, Hampton, Virginia.