Samuel "Sammy" Pennington

Samuel “Sammy” Raley Pennington

Matthews, GA  –         After a year-long fight with multiple heath issues, Samuel “Sammy” Raley Pennington, 68, husband of the late Denice Marie Arrington Pennington, entered into his eternal rest Monday morning, March 9, 2020 at his residence. Services to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2020 at Woodland Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Key officiating.

The eldest of three children born to the late Mattie “Kate” Raley Pennington and the late George Alvin Pennington, Sammy, also lovingly known as “Buddy”, grew up in Matthews. As a young man, he joined the fellowship of Woodland Baptist Church. After graduating from Wrens High School in 1970, he worked at Huber Kaolin before entering the Police Academy and becoming a police officer for Wrens Police Department. He loved being an officer and dedicated 30 years to serving the citizens of Wrens before retiring in August 2006.  He married the love of his life at the age of 22, loving her until death parted them in 2016. Buddy liked to fish, but his greatest pleasure was working with dogs—he trained labs for many years. He loved all animals and could be found just sitting in the yard, watching and playing with his cats. Sammy had a happy demeanor and laid-back attitude. A jokester, he enjoyed “aggravating” friends and family—if he didn’t try to aggravate you, he didn’t like you. He loved his family with all his heart, and was especially proud of his grandchildren.  After having a stroke over a year ago, Sammy moved in with his “adopted” daughter. He suffered much in the last year—having another stroke, being diagnosed with cancer, and dealing with other health issues.  Sammy will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing that he is now pain-free and at peace.

Survivors include his daughter, Lisa Pennington (Michael Reese); his “adopted” daughter, Barbara Lightsey (Marvin); two siblings, Kathy McDaniel and George A. Pennington (Denise) of Greenville SC; three grandchildren, Jerileigh Kimes, Shawn Bouchard and Ariel Rose Jones; six “adopted” grands, Michael Reese, William Daigrepont, Tiffney Strellner, Christina Strellner, Crystal Raybon and Gina Love; cousins and other extended family; and friends.

Because of the financial burden caused by his year-long health battle, the family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made directly to James Funeral Home, P.O. Box 588, Wrens GA 30833.

The family will receive friends at Woodland Baptist Church from 2:45 – 4:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon, March 21st, after the services.