Michael Pugh Pennywell, 78, of Shreveport, Louisiana, went to be with the Lord on October 26, 2026. Born July 23, 1948, Michael lived a life marked by steady devotion—to his faith, his family, his work, and the many people he served with quiet consistency and care.
Michael built a respected career in pharmacy after graduating from Northeast in 1971. He served as pharmacist at Summer Grove Pharmacy, Candle Cave, Schumpert, and later retired from Willis Knighton. His diligence and thoughtful attention to others were hallmarks of his professional life, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility and a sincere desire to help.
Music was one of Michael’s enduring gifts. He played violin in the Louisiana All-State Orchestra and played bass fiddle in the Woodlawn High Orchestra. In his senior year, he served as drum major (Field Commander) in the Woodlawn marching band. For more than 30 years, he played the violin in the Summer Grove Baptist Orchestra, offering his talent faithfully and consistently. He also led the Senior Adult Choir, Joy Choir, for a couple of years, encouraging others through music and fellowship.
Michael’s life was also shaped by simple joys and a curious mind. He loved playing baseball at the Baptist Ball Park with his brothers, later sharing that same enjoyment with his sons, and he especially cherished watching his great grandson play ball. He had a love for math and could often be found reading math books. He was asked several times to substitute teach Sunday School classes, and he loved studying the Bible and sharing what he learned with others. Above all, he loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them.
Michael and his wife, Brenda, enjoyed traveling together until his health changed with strokes, aphasia, and dementia. Even in the midst of declining health, he continued to praise the Lord and was known for greeting others with a smile, a handshake, and a pat on the back—small gestures that carried genuine warmth and steadfast faith.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Syble Odrel Pounders and Walker Pugh Pennywell; his grandparents, Coy Pennywell, Annamay Pennywell, Gervis Pounders, and Odrel Pounders; his grandson, Justin Pennywell; his brothers, Patrick Wayne Pennywell and Dennis Lee Pennywell; his aunt and uncle, Charles and Margaret Jane Wilbanks; and his cousins, Karen Pounders Wilson, Charles Wilbanks Jr., and Kathy Wilbanks.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Kaufman Pennywell; his sons, Michael Anthony Pennywell, Matthew Alan Pennywell (Sandi), and Jacob Scott Pennywell; his brothers, James Lawrence Pennywell (Trica) and Gary Pennywell (MaryAnn); his grandchildren, Kasey Gibson (Damien), Brooke Pennywell, Bailey Pennywell, and Kaden Pennywell; his great grandkids, Mason, Molly, Mabree, Maisy Lou, Aubree, Hunter, Dylan, Bentley, Laykin, Montana, Josie, Bella, Justin, and Asher; his sister in law, Kae Pennywell; his sister and brother in law, Rhonda and Ken Gill; and his cousins, Wanda Pounders and John Thomas Wilbanks.
Visitation will be held on October 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Summer Grove Baptist Church, 8924 Jewella Ave, Shreveport, LA 71118. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm at Summer Grove Baptist Church. A Committal Service will take place on October 30, 2026, at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108. Officiating will be Murray Hodge and Keith Tarkington. Serving as pallbearers will be Doug Holland, Gerald Dyess, Gary Stevens, Truman Wimberly, David Carmical, and Ken Gill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, La. 71104.
Special thanks are extended to Justin and Angie at the Carpenter House for their care and kindness.
