CORBIN, KY — Charles Pennington, 98, of Corbin, Whitley County, passed away on February 7, 2026. Born June 15, 1927, in Corbin, he was the son of the late Lincoln (Link) Pennington, Sr. of Rockholds and the late Lettie Lou Trammell Pennington of Clio.

A proud veteran of the “Greatest Generation,” Mr. Pennington served in the Army Medical Corps during World War II. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, managing field hospitals and serving as an ambulance driver throughout Europe. He took great pride in his family’s collective service, as all of his of-age brothers served during the war. He loved sharing stories of his time in Europe, his various business dealings, and the many adventures of his youth alongside his brothers.

Following his military service, Charles assumed the trade of mason, building homes and businesses throughout the tri-county area. He later founded Pennington Block Co. in Corbin, operating first in a barn on Scuffletown Road before moving to its long-time South Main Street location. Known affectionately as “Charlie” to his customers and employees, he built a legacy of reliability and remained active in the business until he was nearly 90 years old. He was also an emeritus member of the Baptist Regional Medical Center Board of Directors and a faithful Charter member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Norma Martin Pennington; his parents; his brothers: Evan, Link Jr. (Neva), William Harold (JanRose), Earl (Mary), Gearl (Dorothy), Kenneth (Shelby), and Walter Sr. (Hettie Lou); his sisters: Ethel Parks (Roy), Amy Combs (Paul), Nadine Carr, and infant sister Cloteen; and one grandson, Timothy Seth Pennington.

He is survived by his three children: David Pennington and wife Suzan, Timothy Pennington and wife Sarah, and Louann Lennon and husband David, all of Corbin.

He is also survived by five grandchildren: Lindsay Pennington and husband Tim Mosher of Los Angeles; Samuel Pennington and wife Ashlea of Bowling Green; Chad Lennon and wife Cara of Williamsburg; Andrew Pennington and wife Paige of Corbin; and Ashley Lennon and fiancé Brennan Carrithers of New York City.

Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren: Leonard Dillman, Adler Dillman, Samuel Grant Pennington, Aubrie Rae Pennington, Shepherd Pennington, Enzo Pennington, Iris Pennington, and Ember Pennington; a special friend, Sybil Wooten; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 11th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home in Corbin. The funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, February 12th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel with Allen Bonnell officiating.  Burial will follow in Ryan Cemetery with military honors presented by the American Legion Post 88 Honor Guard.

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