Bobby Gene Pennington's Obituary
Bobby Gene Pennington, 83, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, March 23, 2015. Funeral Services will be Private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Heart of Georgia Hospice, 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.
Born September 20, 1931, in Itawamba County, Mississippi to Grace Cornelia Brasfield Pennington and Jesse Gordon Pennington, Bobby attended Itawamba Agricultural High School and Itawamba Junior College in Fulton, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, and remained a lifelong MSU Bulldogs fan. He received a Master's Degree in Education from Valdosta State University and completed his postgraduate studies in Administration at the University of Georgia.
Bobby was a dedicated educator, although his career also held some interesting side jobs. After teaching and coaching at Friar's Point Public School in Friar's Point, Mississippi, he owned an insurance agency for 12 years in Aberdeen, Mississippi. He satisfied his passion for music as a part-time steel guitar player for Bill Gould and the Circle H Cowboys, and spent summers managing Crystal Lake recreational area in Irwinville, Georgia, while continuing his educational career as a teacher and coach at Fitzgerald High School in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Most recently, Mr. Pennington served as Principal of Perry Middle School in Perry, Georgia, for many years.
Bobby was a member of Perry United Methodist Church and Perry Rotary Club. He was Past President of the Georgia Middle School Principal's Association. He was a member of the Georgia Educational Leaders and served on their board of directors for four years during which time he helped establish a number of middle schools throughout Georgia.
Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Vivian; his daughters, Nan Morrison (Jim) and Fran Tate (Eddie); his son, Dr. Mark Pennington (Rachael); his daughters, Sloane Pennington and Kyra Pennington; numerous grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.
Special thanks to the staff of Heart of Georgia Hospice, whose loving support has been a great comfort to Bobby and his family.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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