Ray L. Pennington

Ray L. Pennington, 75, of Alexander was called Home on July 26, 2024. He was born October 4, 1948 in Lufkin, Texas, to the late Leroy and Kathryn (Freeman) Pennington. In addition to his parents, Ray was welcomed into Heaven by his siblings, Johnny Pennington, Linda Taylor, and David Pennington; his grandson, Justin Zuber; his bonus son, Fred Jones; and his great-grandson, Christian Pennington.

Ray was well-loved for his playful and humorous nature. He had a knack for giving everyone he met a nickname and had several of his own, depending on where you knew him from: Ray, Burt, or Pop. He proudly retired in 2011 from the Saline County Sheriff’s Department as a Lieutenant. Alongside his wife, Jane, he also owned and operated the State Fair Funnel Cakes and Sno Shack. In his leisure time, Ray enjoyed watching and playing baseball with his children and grandchildren, playing pool, and hitting the golf course. One of his proudest accomplishments was achieving nine holes-in-one throughout his life. Indoors, he loved watching classic Western movies and reading every book written by Louis L’Amour. Most notably, Ray accepted his Lord and Savior into his heart in 2019 and was a faithful member of Congo Road Baptist Church for many years.

Those left to cherish the memories of Ray include his wife, Jane Pennington; sons, Donald (Debbie) and Jimmy (Tammi) Pennington; daughter, Monica (Michael) Jennings; bonus son, Willie (Rachel) Marvin; grandchildren, Jarrod (Alyssa) Mitchell, Kayla (Jodeci Nash) Mitchell, Mason (Samantha) Pennington, Jenna (Tye) Standridge, Blake (Jordan Jones) Pennington, Brett (Ashley Tomlin) Pennington, Bianca Pennington, Tabitha Heavener, and Tanner Heavener; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Barbara Ann Wostal and Mary Kathryn Pennington; as well as numerous extended family and friends that will miss Ray dearly.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Congo Road Baptist Church in Benton. Funeral services will begin one hour after visitation, 11:00 a.m., at the church. Ray will be laid to rest following the service at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.