Edward Lee Pennington

Marion, Va.

Edward Lee Pennington, age 98 and a lifelong resident of the Marion community, passed away Sunday, August 6th, 2023.

Born on February 4th, 1925, on the family farm in Atkins, Va., Ed was the son of Jennie Calhoun and Floyd Pennington. The youngest of five children, he had three sisters, Ruth Vernon, Martha Hash, and Edith McCleary, and one brother, Frank Pennington. He often spoke fondly of growing up surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins, and working with the family on the farm. A veteran of World War II, Ed served in the Army honor guard that received General Douglas MacArthur upon his return to the Philippines, and following the war he was assigned the task of guarding prisoners-of-war. After being discharged from the Army he returned to Marion and his wife Zenna, working at Burlington Industries for 20 years and retiring from Westinghouse Corporation after 19 years. Giving back to the community was a passion for Ed and Zenna. A life member of the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667, he served many years with the VFW Honor Guard, and looked forward to the Memorial Day Parade in Marion every year. Another passion of his was helping organize and staff the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. He could be found on many cold December days ringing the bell at Food City and spreading holiday cheer. A lifetime member of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church in Atkins, he was a trustee there for many years and enjoyed many mission trips with the church. After retirement, Ed became a skilled woodworker and spent many happy days in his shop making furniture, assisted by Zenna. These beautiful hand-crafted pieces have become cherished family treasures. Along with woodworking he loved his yard, insisting on doing the mowing himself every week until October of last year. The highlight of Ed and Zenna’s lifetime together was their family. Whether it was holidays at their home, beach trips, football and basketball games, baptisms, graduations, weddings--they never missed an opportunity to share in the fun and festivities. They were always there for their family.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, brother, and wife of 75 years, Zenna Parks Pennington.

He is survived by their three daughters, Toni and Jim White of Bowling Green, Ky., Peggy Williams and Gary Bozeman of Atlanta, Ga. and Pamela and John Anderson of Suffolk, Va.; six grandchildren, Mike, Stephanie, Sarah, Miles, Lauren and Stephen; twelve great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including special nieces Debbie Hagy, Darlene Dean and Patty Robinson.

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to his wonderful and devoted caregivers.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. and Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 1 until 2 p.m. at Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, 132 Churchland Drive, Atkins, Va. Funeral services will begin at  2 p.m. with Pastor Justin Hall officiating. Burial will be private at Rose Lawn Cemetery with full military honors being rendered by Francis Marion VFW Post 4667.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 133, Marion, VA 24354, or Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, c/o Treasurer, 132 Churchland Drive, Atkins, VA 24311.

To share memories of Edward Lee Pennington, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Ed has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354.