John Edward Penn

John Edward Penn, 78, passed away on September 28, 2018 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh surrounded by his family. Born on September 16, 1940 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, John was the youngest son of the late Claribel and William Penn. John proudly shared stories of his childhood, having grown up in Oak Ridge, TN.

John was a 1964 graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan, where he met his wife Mary. They married in 1965. He then served in the Air Force from 1966-1971, and was stationed in Washington DC, Madrid, Spain, and Brevard County, FL. John went on to work for IBM from 1971 – 1997, settling in Raleigh in 1976 to raise his young family.

An avid and meticulous wood worker, John could build, create, and fix just about anything. After his early retirement, he spent years volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Rex Hospital, and preparing income taxes for the elderly and those in need. While not in his workshop or volunteering, he could be found tinkering on his 1974 1/2 MGB, working in the yard, watching Tennessee Vols football, birdwatching or fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary M. Penn; daughters: Carol Klenke and husband Derrick, of Raleigh and Julie Dickson Biestek and husband Jim, of Chapel Hill; grandchildren: Max Dickson, Cole Dickson, Emma Klenke and Ben Klenke; brother: Tom Penn and wife Lynne, of Brevard, NC; as well as many friends and extended family members.

A time to gather together, share favorite memories and celebrate John’s life will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the years of care provided by Dr. William Berry and his staff, as well as recent care provided by Transitions LifeCare. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.