Ronnie Gene Pennington

Ronnie Gene Pennington, 88, beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend stepped into glory surrounded by his family on Monday, November 2, 2026. Born April 28, 1938 in Bluefield, WV, he was the son of the late Clarence and Geneva Gillespie Pennington. Ronnie, more commonly known as Gene will always be remembered for his giving heart, hard work, but above all for his love for his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Through his life you could always find Gene spreading the love of Christ though words and actions. Everyone knew if you needed anything Gene was there ready and willing to do whatever necessary. Gene was a dedicated and faithful member of Montcalm Church of God where he served many years. Gene did nothing half-hearted. He worked hard as a committed coal miner and played just as hard as he enjoyed gardening, four-wheeling with the kids, and hunting and fishing with his brothers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Charlie Neel III; brother, Ray Pennington; sisters, Edith Thompson, Ellen Morris, Violet Hicks, Betty Compton, Linda Gail Saddler, and Sally Cook.

Those left to cherish Gene’s memory are his two daughters, Ann Belcher (Sonny), Dove Bowers (Lee); brother, Lonnie Pennington (Loretta); sister, Joy Stiltner (James); grandchildren, Dwayne Neel (Ashley), Matthew Murray (Samantha), and Veronica Neel (Ryan); seven great-grandchildren, Dalton, Braxton, Sophia, Piper, Bryson, Alexa, and Freyja; a special niece, Donna Compton; godson, Cody Compton; great-god children, Cameron, Logan, and Emberlyn.

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Dove Bowers officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where Dwayne Neel, Matthew Murray, Joe Pennington, Sonny Belcher, Ryan Brewster, Lee Bowers, Ronnie Watkins, and Teddy Warden will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Gene lived life to the fullest always stopping to smell the Roses.

The family asks that you honor his memory by putting God first and treating your friends and neighbors like they were your family.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Pennington family.