Raymond Arthur Pennington passed from this life on Monday, May 4, 2020, as a result of complications from the COVID virus. He was born May 24, 1925, in Cincinnati, OH, to Richard and Ada Pennington (nee Keel).
The Pennington family immigrated to colonial America in the 1660s, with many settling in Alabama and Mississippi. Ray’s great-grandchildren are 11th-generation Americans. His grandchildren consider him a celebrity, because he is a distant relative of Elvis Presley (unbeknownst to Elvis).
Ray was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and relocated his family to Fayetteville, AR, to open a Baldwin Piano and Organ plant in the 1950s. He was employed as an industrial engineer and supervisor with Baldwin for more than 40 years before retiring. A gifted woodworker, he also enjoyed bowling. He loved drinking coffee and rejoiced when McDonald’s began serving breakfast all day.
Ray served in the Navy on the USS Mackenzie during World War II and loved to talk about his time in the Navy and his family. He fell in love with Naples, Italy, while serving in the Mediterranean and kept a picture of Mount Vesuvius on his wall. His lifelong desire to return to Naples was finally realized at the age of 85.
He is preceded in death by his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret Ellen (Peggy) Pennington (nee Wulfekamp), a teacher in the Fayetteville public schools for more than 30 years; a brother, Roy; and two sisters, Opal and Jewel.
He is survived by a brother, Robert (Bobby) Pennington of Columbus, OH. Ray is also survived by his three children: Mark Pennington and wife, Lynda Pilgrim, of Vienna, VA; Nancy Markey and husband, Joe, of White Plains, NY; and David Pennington and wife, Delanna, of Fayetteville, AR. His grandchildren include Maddox and Thomas Pennington; Brittany Camp and husband, Dr. Nick Camp; Blake, Pierce, and Grey Pennington; and Jackson and Jonnie Markey. Ray is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Kyleigh, Christian, and Everett Camp.
No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Fayetteville Brookstone Assisted Living Community (Memory Unit) or the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
I WORKED WITH RAY AT BALDWIN PIANO FOR MANY YEARS AND HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST SUPERVISORS THAT YOU COULD HAVE. WE ENJOYED TALKING ABOUT THE MILITARY AS MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE NAVY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME.
My family met Ray late in his life. He was already having memory problems. He always remembered his time in the navy and we enjoyed hearing his stories about Mt. Vesuvius erupting. He also recanted moving Baldwin Piano to Fayetteville and working at the fairgrounds, initially. Measurements of the building were still clear to him and he always spoke of his 3 children and how smart and successful they became. We will miss spending time with Ray; our hopes and prayers are with the family.
Ray was my Supervisor at Baldwin. He also bowled on the Friday night mixed bowling league with my late husband and I. My Aunt Edna Bowman, Ray and Lou Schraer were on the same team on that league. They had a great time. Ray was a great man and will be missed. Sending Prayers to the family.
I wanted to express my heart felt condolences. I really liked Ray and the whole Pennington family. Mark, Nancy, and David, may God bless and comfort you during this time.
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed visiting with Mr. Ray when I came to see my Mom at Brookestone .
He was always kind and we both enjoyed hearing him tell about his life and family.
Blessings to your family.