Clifton "Cliff" Ray Pennington

Clifton Ray “Cliff” Pennington, age 88, of Chatham, VA, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Kings Grant Retirement Home, Martinsville, VA. Mr. Pennington was born October 24, 1934 in Fries, VA to the late Frank Pennington and the late Vesta Shackley Pennington. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet W. Pennington of the residence.

Cliff attended Fries High School, Fries, VA, and then entered the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1952 – 1955 and served on two aircraft carriers, the Oriskany and the Valley Forge. He married Virginia (Jackie) Doss in 1955 and was married 27 years until her death. He married Janet Wilkinson Jones in 1983. Cliff was employed with Hajoka Corp. of Danville, VA for 17 years and then with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for 24 years. He farmed as well. Horses (riding/driving) and Bluegrass Music were his hobbies. He traveled many miles enjoying both. He was a member of Hopewell Church of Dry Fork, VA and was very active in the Men’s Bible Class and served as treasurer for many years. He also served on several committees of the church.

In addition to his wife, Cliff is survived by a daughter, Patty Shelton, stepdaughters, Amy Meredith (Rob) and Christine Fields (Brian), sister, Wilma Sarvers, brother, Ned Pennington, grandchildren, Heather Bray (Sam), Megan Blair (Brian), Kaylee Fields, Hannah Fields, and Nick Meredith. In addition, he is survived by great-grandchildren Caleb Bray, Hadleigh Bray, Braylee Blair, and Shelton Blair.

Cliff was predeceased by a grandson, Justin Tucker, sisters Opal Wagner (John), Velma Powers (Bill), and Geraldine Burris (Charlie) and a brother, Frank (JR) Pennington (Maxine).

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Services, Chatham Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Gibson officiating. A burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Chatham, VA. A visitation will be held immediately prior to the service, from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. at the Chatham Chapel of Norris Funeral Services.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, you honor the memory of Cliff by making a donation to Hopewell Church or the charity of your choice.

Norris Funeral Services in Chatham, Va. is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at norrisfuneral.com.