Carl Jackson Penton

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Carl Jackson Penton on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. He was peacefully ushered Home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Mr Penton was the only son of Charles Anderson and Arvie Lease (Malone) Penton and a native of Pensacola, Florida born February 17, 1944.

Mr. Penton is survived by his three sisters and a brother-in-law, Zelma Penton Bass of Dothan, AL, Arvie Charlene Clement of Lewisburg, PA, and Gwenith Anne Graham and Phillip Ray Graham of Pensacola, Fl, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as, friends in Pensacola and around the world.

Mr. Penton will be fondly remembered for his great compassion and dedication to his family, friends and his community. He was a 1962 graduate of Escambia High School and a 1966 graduate of Baylor University as well as a variety of post graduate degrees in Beirut, Lebanon, and Tehran, Iran.

Mr. Penton was an accomplished educator and administrator in Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Japan and China. He had a life of service beginning with the American Peace Corps and continued with writings and publications of various books about antiquities. His last ten years, before his retirement, were spent working with Chinese and American physicians to recognize the accomplishments of early American medical missionaries who established various hospitals in China. This would deepen a coordinated relationship between the American and Chinese hospitals and physicians in order to better serve their communities! Mr. Penton accomplished this by being an ambassador and liaison between the physicians and hospital administrators from each country. This was one of his most prized accomplishments!

All in all, let it be said Carl Jackson Penton exhibited a life of devoted service as an ambassador, gifted educator and enthusiastic adventurer. As brilliant as he was, even speaking seven languages fluently, he remained humble and cared deeply for those he loved.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 14th at 11:00 AM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, with a graveside service to follow at Bayview Memorial Park. The family will host a reception for friends of the family, immediately following Carl's services. Pallbearers for Carl's service will be: Timothy Slay, Daniel Graham, John Jenks, Jacob Jenks, Herman Odom and Jonathan Weaver.

We would like to express our gratitude to Vitas Healthcare for their kindness and ministry during this difficult time. We would also like to thank Dr. Charles Raudat, Dr. Justin Smith, Dr. O, Dr. Charles Bryan and Dr. Shadi Oweis for their profound professionalism and guidance.