William Parris Pennell

Mr. Pennell was born in Wilkes County to the late Myrtle McNeil Pennell and Benjamin Pennell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Harlen Pennell, Floyd Pennell and his wife June, and Marvin Pennell; his sisters Rena Welch and husband Ed, Nell Watson and husband Worley, Rose Earp and husband Coy, Alice Annas and husband Fred, and Gladys Pennell.

He was retired from Harper Furniture and served in the U. S. Army during WWII. He was the “ideal man” who loved construction and cars. He was always helping others, not wanting anything in return. He was the pillar of the family and loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. A lifelong member of North Catawba Baptist Church, he served on the Building Committee and was a Deacon.

Survivors include his wife Alene Cannon Pennell of the home; his sons Ronnie Pennell and wife Gail of Lenoir, and Ricky Pennell and wife Pam of Hudson; a sister-in-law Jewel Pennell of Hudson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Pendry’s Chapel with Reverend John Barnhardt, Reverend Doug St. John and Benny Earp officiating. Burial will follow the service at North Catawba Baptist church. The family will receive friends at Pendry’s Funeral Home Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and other times at the home of Ronnie Pennell.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bedford Earp, Burl Earp, Keith Lingle, Chris Childers, Arvin Childers and Kevin Williams. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenneth Vance and Lewis Moore.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Pennell may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences to the family may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of William “Bill” Pennell.