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Obituary For James Wesley Penn Sr.
Carter Funeral Home humbly announces the transition of Mr. James Wesley Penn Sr., 85, of Union Springs, Alabama on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at his residence on Penn Road.
Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 11:00 am from the sanctuary of the Cornerstone AME Zion Church of the Cornerstone Community, Rev. Bruce Surratt, pastor.
The message of triumph will be delivered by his daughter, the Rev. Gloria Penn Taylor, pastor of the Troy Chapel AME Zion Church of Montgomery, Alabama.
Interment will follow in Penn Cemetery.
Mr. Penn will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to Celebration of Life Services.
Public visitation will be held Friday, August 2, 2019 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Carter Funeral Home.
James Wesley Penn, Sr. affectionately known as “Wes, Chief, Old Man and Papa” was born on June 17, 1934 to the late James Henderson & Jeffana Penn. Years after the passing of his mother, his father married his late step-mother Eva Lou Penn, whom James was very fond of. With his family at his side, he departed this life on Thursday, July 25, 2019 exchanging mortality for immortality as he entered into his eternal rest.
At a young age, James being the oldest son, had to set aside his educational pursuits to help his father to provide for his younger siblings; thus, thrusting James to become an entrepreneur at the age of 15. His business portfolio included farming, logging, professional moving and the business owner of Penn Trucking for over 30 years. He was a skilled, hard worker who maintained several jobs simultaneously and did all of them in the spirit of excellence. James was a major employer of the unemployed in the Union Springs and Cornerstone communities. He stepped in to be a father figure to fill that void in many lives. He would provide love, mentoring and support without hesitation. James loved his community and was well known by most. He was an avid Alabama fan and everyone knew it. He loved playing baseball in his teen and young adult life.
At an early age, he confessed Christ and joined the Cornerstone A.M.E. Zion Church. James solidified his relationship with the Lord before his demise.
His parents, grandparents and one sister, Olinza Penn Wright preceded him in death.
Mr. Penn left behind a rich legacy; as well as big shoes to fill. To have known him was to respect him. To carry on his legacy and to cherish his memories is a devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Juanita Penn and his children: Arthur King, Union Springs, AL; Charles (Irene) Penn, Union Springs, AL; Mary (Cecil) Turpin, Hurtsboro, AL; James (Diana) Penn, Jr., Union Springs, AL; Dianne (Calvin) Pritchett, Union Springs, AL; Linda Penn Williams, Montgomery, AL; Melvin Penn, Union Springs, AL; Rev. Dr. Gloria Penn, Montgomery, AL; Michael Penn, Madison, AL; Melissa and Michelle Penn, Montgomery, AL; Gregory Penn, Atlanta, GA; and Jennifer (Willie) Tolliver, Union Springs, AL; Willie Frank (Kathy) Vann, Union Springs, AL; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly and raised one grandchild, as his own, Tahira Penn; five brothers: Napoleon Penn, Union Springs, AL; Rev. Martis (Mozella) Penn, Sr., Union Springs, AL; Lawrence (Jessie) Penn, Union Springs, AL; Joe (Brenda) Penn, Montgomery, AL; and William (Donna) Penn, Summerville, SC; three sisters Dorothy Penn, Prattville, AL; Ruth (Jake) McBride, Montgomery, AL and Mae Nella Jenkins, Union Springs, AL; three brothers-n-law: James (Catherine) McClain, Grand Rapids, MI; Tommy (Alma) Calhoun, Union Springs, AL; Robert (Susie) Calhoun; one sister-n-law, Linda (Clarence) Foster, Atlanta, GA; one aunt, Pearl Dorsey, Saginaw, MI; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to include special friends: Jim Ellis and Joe Stewart, Union Springs AL and Cecil Vaughn, Montgomery, AL. We thank God for a life well lived.
The Staff of Carter Funeral Home is honored to support the Penn family with End of Life Services.
Send flowers to the service of James Wesley Penn Sr.
Services
Visitation 2 PM to 7 PM
Celebration of Life Service
Photos & Video
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceI am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you all the strength during this difficult time. My most sincere condolences and continued prayers for everyone. - Felicia Cantlow
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you all the strength during this difficult time. My most sincere condolences and continued prayers for everyone.
CONDOLENCES FROM THE RIVERS' FAMILY. WE LOVE YOU GUYS UNCONDITIONALLY. MAY GOD KEEP AND BLESS YOU ALL.
To the family I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. May Heavenly Father give you strength and comfort during this most difficult time.
BCHS Class of 1981 offers our sincere heartfelt sympathy to our classmate Linda Penn and also to Martis Penn in the passing of their loved one. EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL
God is n control
Thank you for the confidence and kindness you have displayed by selecting us as your professional services provider. It is an honor to serve and support you. The Staff and Management of Carter Funeral Home
