Joe A. Pennington

August 3, 1938 – July 22, 2026

Joe A. Pennington, 87, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, hard work, and service to others.

Joe was born on August 3, 1938, in Jasper, Tennessee, to Charles Andrew Pennington and Elisabeth Legg Pennington. He spent much of his childhood in Jasper, with one memorable year living in Tacoma, Washington, with his Aunt Laura. Upon returning to Tennessee, he completed his senior year at South Pittsburg High School, where he met the love of his life, Margaret June Goforth.

After graduating, in October 1956, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force. On April 2, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 69 years.

During Joe’s six years of military service, the couple lived in Savannah, Georgia, where their first child, Randall, was born. After completing his service, they returned to South Pittsburg, Tennessee, where their daughter, Leeanne, was born. Nine months later, the family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Joe worked at a local filling station, repairing automobiles. Their youngest daughter, Lisa, was born soon afterward. When Lisa was just seven months old, Joe and Margaret purchased the family home where they would spend the rest of their lives together. Joe continually expanded and improved the house over the years, making it a place where countless family memories were created.

Joe later began a career with Southern Railway, where he faithfully worked until his retirement in the mid-1980s.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe had a lifelong passion for bass fishing. He purchased a boat, built a 900-square-foot garage to house it, and spent countless hours on the water. He competed in and won numerous fishing tournaments and delighted in taking friends, sons, grandsons, church members, and anyone interested in fishing with him. He even handcrafted his own fishing lures. His freshly fried fish became legendary among family and friends, prepared with a special recipe that everyone looked forward to enjoying.

In 1995, Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, a decision that transformed his life. He became a faithful member and later a deacon at Berean Baptist Church in Hixson, Tennessee, where Margaret and their children had worshiped for many years.

Joe often said that while he had spent much of his life fishing for bass, after coming to know Christ, he began “fishing for men.” His faith became the foundation of his life. He faithfully served his church and community, always ready to lend a helping hand, repair something that was broken, build what was needed, or simply serve someone in need. His generosity, humility, and servant’s heart touched countless lives.

Joe also enjoyed playing tennis and often played as many as six sets after a full day’s work. He was an enthusiastic fan of Tennessee Volunteers football and Atlanta Braves baseball. He loved simple pleasures, especially popcorn and Hershey’s Kisses.

More than anything, Joe cherished his family. He was an exceptional husband, father, Papaw, great-grandfather (“Great-Great Daddy”), and great-great-grandfather. His grandchildren adored him because he didn’t just love them, he played with them, invested in them, laughed with them, and made each one feel deeply loved. His legacy lives on through the generations he so faithfully loved and influenced.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Margaret June Goforth Pennington; his son, Randall (the late Ruth) Pennington; his daughters, Leeanne (Lloyd) Stilley and Lisa (Marc) Bewley; nine grandchildren: Missy (Randy) Turner , Braxton (Jennifer) Bragg, Emalee Reardon, Tyler (Kirstin) Bewley, Joey (Caitlin) Stilley, Austin (Katherine) Bewley, Zachary Bewley, and Craig (Molly) Stilley; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; his cousin, Sally (Bill) Bell; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Andrew Pennington and Elisabeth Legg Pennington; his brothers, David Pennington and Andrew Pennington; his sister, Mary Bob Clinton, and his beloved grandson, Ernie Reed.

Joe will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, steadfast love for his family, tireless work ethic, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. His life was marked not by the things he accumulated, but by the people he loved, the lives he served, and the Savior he faithfully followed.

His family rejoices in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 5:00 -7:00 pm at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Hwy 153 in Hixson. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10:00 am at the North Chapel, followed by a graveside service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Bailey Avenue in Chattanooga, officiated by Rev. Randy Creel.

Serving as acting pallbearers are Braxton Bragg, Tyler Bewley, Joey Stilley, Austin Bewley, Zachary Bewley, and Craig Stilley. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Randy Bible, Bryon Lemmon, Ron Koehler, David Royer, Bill Reynolds and Scott Brown.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com