Lee Pennington just shy of 102 years old, of Springdale, Arkansas was received by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into Heaven on Monday, September 4, 2023. He passed peacefully. Lee was born on September 20, 1921 in Japton, Arkansas to John and Myrtle Rosa (Howard) Pennington.

Lee was a master carpenter for Pennington Construction where he was superintendent of all projects. He and his brother, Arlie, operated the company together. He was a hard worker all his life. Lee loved the Lord and was an avid church participant, he even helped build part of the church! He loved his family most in this world and that included his church family at Johnson Church of Christ in Johnson, Arkansas. The third thing Lee loved most in life was fishing. He has fished all his life and started fishing at Lake Bull Shoals in the 1950’s. He fell in love with that lake and bought some property in Peel, Arkansas near the Hwy 125 marina shortly afterwards. That property was his pride and joy. Over the years he turned a bunk house into a cabin that his whole family could enjoy. Year after year adding rooms as the family grew. It quickly became his second home and a summer vacation spot for the whole family.

Lee served in the United States Army/Air Force in the 125th quartermaster unit as a young man during World War II.  He loved his country. Lee married the love of his life Effie Mae Cunningham on the 31st of August, 1942.  They were married for 62 years. Lee and Effie had two kids, Bonnie Jean (Pennington) Lewis and Donald Lee Pennington.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtle Rosa Pennington; his brother, Arlie and wife Thealda Pennington; his sister who died at a young age; his daughter, Bonnie Jean (Pennington) Lewis; and his grandson, Henry Lee Hickman.

He is survived by his son, Donald Lee Pennington and wife Marguerite; his grandchildren, Jeffery Lee Swiney and partner, Jay Parker, Lisa Lewis (Jared), Roy Lewis (Jenifer) and Robyn Taylor and her children; granddaughter-in-law Amy Hickman; his great-grandchildren, Justin House, Kaileigh Shefelbine (Jesse), Jacob House (Jamie), Solarian Laughlin (Morgana),Trey Burnett, Hank Hickman, Eli Hickman (Hanna), Corissa Clayton (Dylan), Colten Lewis, Breanna Lewis and fiancé Shawn Stahman; great-great-grandchildren, Hailie Shefelbine, Cameron House, Jr. Benoit, Aubree House, Sonja Benoit, Koleson Shefelbine, Sophia House, Harper House, MaeKaiLynn Shefelbine, Jackson House,  Maedalynn Burnett, Arzell Shefelbine, Trooper Shefelbine, Nash Clayton, Shepherd Shefelbine, and Luke Clayton.

He was proud of how many grands he had!…and countless other family and friends.

Viewing will be Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 5-7 PM at Beard’s Chapel.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, September 8, 2023 at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Larry Culbreath officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Donations in his honor can be made to Paragould Children’s home.