Donald S. Pennell

PENNELL, Donald “Don” Seward, 85, of Henrico, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, August 2, 2014, leaving a loving wife of 64 years, Rita Applewhite Pennell; a daughter, Donna Lee Pennell; a son, David Carrington Pennell and his wife Angela; grandson, Brandon David Pennell and his wife Eleni; two sisters–in-law, Dottie Pennell and dot Johenning; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Pennell, his brothers, Dr. Ernest Pennell, Jr. and Charles Pennell and a sister, Kitty Pennell White. Don was proud to be a marine during the Korean conflict and became a private pilot through the G.I. bill after his honorable discharge and also served in the Civil Air Patrol. He retired from the Richmond Newspapers, Inc. in 1990 after more than thirty six years as a news photographer. After their retirement Don and Rita did some traveling in and out of the U.S. and while camping joined the Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service and traveled to Christian colleges, retirement homes and retreats where they did volunteer repair work for several years during the winter seasons. They also worked for the Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity where Don worked with the weekday crew building houses and Rita worked in the office once a week and they spent most weekends at the Wilderness Presidential resorts near Fredericksburg where they were active for many years in Wilderness Inner Spiritual Enterprise, Inc. the organization that sponsors the worship service on Sunday mornings and other Christian fellowship activities on the resort. Don and Rita were longtime active members of Monument Heights Baptist Church, 5716 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. where the family will receive friends beginning at 3pm Sunday, August 10, 2014, followed by a memorial service at 4pm. Burial will be private. The family wishes to thank Nina Williams and the other ComForcare caregivers and Asera Hospice for their tender loving care and support. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to National Parkinsons Foundation, 200 S.E. 1st. St., Suite 800, Miami, Florida, 33131. Condolences may be offered at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.