Robert “Red Bug” Pennington

Funeral services for Mr. Robert “Red Bug” Pennington were held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at Wanilla Baptist Church in Monticello. Graveside services followed the funeral service at the Church Cemetery. Brother Jeff Vosbrink was the Officiate. Wilson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Robert ‘Red Bug’ was born on September 19, 1928, in Wanilla. He was the youngest sibling out of seven children. Red Bug could accomplish anything he set his mind to. After graduating from high school and college, he served in the United States Air Force for 25 years, where he served a one-year tour in North Korean and two tours in the Vietnam War, in the OMS ( Organization Maintenance Squadron). He was in charge of getting airplanes ready for combat. When he retired of serving his country, Robert reached the highest of ranking of Sergeant in the Air Force which was Chief Master Sergeant. After he retired, Red Bug returned back home to Sontag, where he worked at McClain and Barnes for about sixteen years.
Red Bug had some hidden talents that people were not aware of which were singing and playing the guitar, inventing a sidewalk trimmer and airplane tire chuck, and he was avid golfer. He had an opportunity to go pro, but rejected the offer.
Robert had the reputation of being a caretaker, especially for animals. One story comes to mind with the family. Red Bug had a border collie who lost one of his legs. So, every time Red Bug would visit our grandmother, Murline Pennington, he would put the collie into a wheel barrel and roll the dog down to her house, take the dog out, and sit and talk. Then, he would put the dog back into the wheel barrel and roll him back home. He would rescue stray dogs and cats alone the road and bring them home.
Surviving Robert are his wife, Eve Bikner Pennington of Sontag; daughter, Charlotte Pennington Young of Florence; sons, Ronald (Jennifer) Pennington of Seymour, Tennessee, and Randy (Kim) Pennington of Sontag; two stepdaughters, Terri Robison of Mashville, Tennessee and Stephanie Pitts of Tylertown; two stepsons, Tommy Spicer of Brookhaven and Jimmy Spicer of McComb; four grandchildren, Shawn Maxwell of Brookhaven, Phillip Maxwell of Jackson, Michael Pennington of Chickamouga, Georgia and Jayde Pennington of Sontag, MS; six step grandchildren Tyler Boyd, Katie Boyd, Hailey Spicer, Caleb Spicer, Jolina Spicer and Caleb Spicer, all of Topeka, and four great-grandchildren, Shelbi Maxwell of Wesson, Drew Maxwell of Summit, Nathan Maxwell and Kyle Maxwell of Florida.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert L. “Bob” Pennington Sr. and Brillia Newsome Pennington; three brothers and three sisters, wife, Deloris Ann Pennington; son, Roger Pennington; son-in-laws, John “Bliff” Entrekin and Kevin Young; grandson, Elton Maxwell and great-grandson, Hunter Maxwell.
Donations can be made in “Red Bug’s” memory to the Lawrence County Animal Rescue League.
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