Earl Pennington

Earl Pennington

Earl Pennington, 90, passed away suddenly at his residence in Corbin, Kentucky, on Monday, October 16, 2023. He was the son of the late Abraham Lincoln (Link) Pennington Sr., and the late Lettie Lou Trammell Pennington. Earl was preceded in death only one month ago by his beloved wife of almost 69 years, Mary Pennington, who had gone to her heavenly home. In addition to his wife and parents, Earl had sisters, Ethel Parks, Cloteen Pennington, Amy Combs, and Nadine Carr, along with brothers Evan Pennington, Harold Pennington, Link Pennington, Jr., Gearl Pennington (twin), Kenneth Pennington, and Walter Pennington, Sr., and grandson, SSgt Dirk Thomas Shelton who had preceded him in death.   One brother, Charles Pennington, remains as the sole survivor of Link and Lettie Pennington’s immediate family.

As an identical twin to Gearl, together they had hilarious stories about how they pulled pranks on family and friends throughout their lifetimes. Together, they served alongside each other while in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and worked throughout their lives as builder/contractors in Corbin. Earl and Gearl, along with their younger brother Kenneth, were co-owners of E.G. & K. Construction Company. He and his brothers have a living legacy through the construction of so many homes, Banks, Churches, and beautiful buildings throughout the Tri-County area that will benefit families and friends for years to come.

Earl is survived by his three children: Penny Hammons (Johnny), Jenny Shelton (Tom), and Martin Earl Pennington (Missy), all of Corbin. He has seven surviving grandchildren: Dr. Johnny B. Hammons (Keysha), Julie Hendrickson (Jimmy), Dr. Jacob Pennington (Laura), Whitney Pratt (Brandon), Morgan Taylor (David), Brett Pennington, and Allie Pennington, along with 16 great-grandchildren.

Earl was a member of Central Baptist Church for many years. Mary and Earl danced with the Dudes and Dolls Square Dance Club. He was also a member of the Corbin Shrine Club. In earlier years, Earl enjoyed driving and showing his and Gearl’s antique Packards. Throughout their lifetime together, Earl and Mary loved to travel and shared many adventures traveling the country, often watching their son Martin as he played for the Kentucky Wildcats. When he was home, he loved working outside and doing all the honey do chores that Mary constantly requested from him. It was Mary’s garden, but Earl got to do most of the work. His many grandkids and great grandkids kept him busy watching sporting events and dance recitals in his spare time. Earl loved to keep his neighbors in suspense as he climbed around on ladders and fixed upstairs windows above his front porch. Finally, he and Mary were the talk of the town driving around in their BMW convertible.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2:30 p.m. at Pine Hill Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky, with Pastor Josh Pollitt officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 88 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Central Baptist Church 201 West 4^th Street Corbin, KY 40701 or Corbin Garden Club Treasurer c/o Brenda Hamblin Taylor 18 Les Campbell Lane Corbin, KY 40701

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