Charles Penney

GILMER- Funeral services for Mr. Charles Penney, 83, of Big Sandy will be held at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Big Sandy with Bro. Seth Johnston and Bro. Bill Weaver officiating under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. Interment will follow at Chilton Cemetery in Big Sandy, Texas. Mr. Penney passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2016 in Tyler. He was born on April 23, 1933, in Cushing, Texas to Bernice and Inez Penney. He was a man of strong faith and loved his family and community unconditionally. Mr. Penney served during the Korean War Campaign and then attended SFA where he received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He was a lifetime member of the SFA Ex-Student Association. He served as an educator for 38 years with the last 23 years as Superintendent of Big Sandy ISD. During the 1973/1974 school year he helped plan and build the new school for the citizens of Big Sandy. Mr. Penney was a member of the Upshur County Appraisal District, Region 7 Board, Retired Teachers Association, and a member of the Big Sandy Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of Big Sandy Museum Association, and was a Deacon for First Baptist Church Big Sandy, and teacher of the Faithful Worker Sunday School Class. Mr. Penney was selected as 1987 and 2001 Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Big Sandy Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Mr. Penney married Norma Richards on June 14, 1957 and they attended First Baptist Church of Big Sandy. Mr. Penney had a passion for Country Music and he and his wife enjoyed entertaining throughout the community. Mr. Penney is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma Penney of Big Sandy; sons, Rick Penney and wife, Anna of Chandler, Kent Penney and wife, Margie of Big Sandy; sister, Elizabeth Whitaker and husband of Henderson; grandchildren, Scott Penney, Tiffany Moffeit, Dustin Hannon, Christina Dixon, James Hollingsworth; great grandchildren, Isaac Penney, Sawyer Penney, Destini Dixon, KK Dixon, Trinidy Dixon, and Creighton Dixon. Mr. Penney was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mildred Richards, and brother, Dan Penney. Pallbearers for the service will be Scott Penney, Lynn Whitaker, Dustin Hannon, James Hollingsworth, Carlos Rodriguez, Jr., Donny Richards, Troy Penney, and Marc Young. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 18, at First Baptist Church in Big Sandy from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be given to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX. 75701.