Walter Pennington

Walter Eugene Pennington, age 85, died on Sunday, January 14, 2018. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11am on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, Brandon, MS with visitation an hour before the service. Burial will follow at D’Lo Cemetery, D’Lo, MS. Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS is handling the arrangements.

Walt was born December 3, 1932 to Cecil Charles and Hazel Pomeranz Pennington of Nashville, TN. Later his family moved to Atlanta, GA where he graduated from Henry Grady High School. He attended the University of Georgia for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Keesler in Biloxi, MS, he met Joan Warren at a beach party. They were married a year later, May 13, 1956. Over time their family grew with the addition of their three children Brett, Amy and John. Walt finished college at Mississippi State University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Industrial Management. At State, he was a member of the Society for the Advancement of Management and Chi Lambda Rho, honorary business fraternity.

After graduation, he worked for ITT Telecommunications in Corinth, MS, as Quality Control Manager and Telephone Engineering Manager. He was active in civic affairs serving as; Kiwanis Club President, Corinth Urban Renewal Commissioner, member of Mississippi State University Engineering Advisory Committee, and President of Alcorn County Chapter of Mississippi State University Alumni Association. As a member of Corinth First United Methodist Church he was on the Administrative Board, Chairman of Membership and Evangelism, the United Methodist Men, and Sunday School Class President. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

In 1966 he became Production Manager for Futorian Corporation’s reclining chair manufacturing plant in Okalona, MS and was then promoted to Corporate Manager of Quality Control and Product Engineering for all Futorian manufacturing plants. In 1971 he was appointed Plant Manager of Futorian’s new proposed plant. The Mohasco Industries subsidiary plant was built near Clinton, NC.

He believed in being a part of the community where he lived. He was a strong supporter of civic, school, and church activities. In Clinton he was Rotary Club President, Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce President, and received the Chamber’s Outstanding Member of the Year award in 1985. He was President of Business-Industry Associates, Chairman of Southeastern Rail Users Association, on the Cardinal Health Agency Board of Directors, and the Regional Manpower Board. He served on the Board of Directors for Clinton Area Foundation for Education, and Sampson Community College Foundation, Inc. As a member of Clinton First United Methodist Church he served on the Administrative Board, Chairman of Council on Ministries, Lay Leader, Finance Chairman, Staff-Parish Relations Chairperson, Local Trustee, and N.C. Conference Trustee.

Having grown up in a family involved in scouting, he continued to participate in Boy Scout activities. In Corinth he served as Packmaster, Explorer Scout Master, and District Commissioner of Boy Scouts. He received the “Scouter’s Key”, an award for efficiency in scout training. In Clinton, NC he was Pack 80 Committee Chairman, Troop 27 Assistant Scout Master, and Elangomet District Chairman of Boy Scouts. Being inducted into the Order of the Arrow with his son, John, was a special honor for him.

After retirement he and Joan moved to Brandon to be near family and make special memories with the grandchildren. Walt was a faithful member of Brandon First United Methodist Church, regularly attending as long as his health permitted. He especially enjoyed the Joy Sunday School Class of which he was a past president. He also served on the Scout Committee for Troop 29.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Hazel Pennington and his son, John Walter Pennington.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-one years, Joan Warren Pennington; son, Brett Eugene Pennington; daughter, Amy Cecile Stevens; grandchildren, Jessica Faith Dennis, John Byron Dennis, Lake Parker Stevens, Kolten Stevens; great-grandson, John Estes Gregory and his brothers, Curtis C. Pennington and Dr. William E. Whissell.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts are encouraged to give to First United Methodist Church at 205 Mary Ann Dr. Brandon, MS 39042.