Jack Pennell

Jack Pennell, 82, of Rougemont passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, at his home.

Born in Granville County on January 20, 1943, he was the son of the late Rayford Lloyd Pennell and Ila Morris Wynne.

All services are private.

Jack was a strong, independent, and hard-working man. In his early years, he was employed at Harriet and Henderson Cotton Mills. Later, he went to work at H and H Upholstery, where he learned the upholstery craft and developed his expertise in the field. Eventually, this led him to open his own shop, which he ran for many years, until his retirement, culminating in a 50-year career in the automotive upholstery business.

Jack enjoyed life and had many interests. He loved motorcycles, owning several over the years. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to Myrtle Beach. He also liked old cars, watching westerns like Gunsmoke on tv, working in the yard, growing flowers, owning goats, going to flea markets, collecting clocks, and staying active. As the oldest of seven siblings, he also took pleasure in reminiscing about childhood memories and sharing old family stories. He loved Christmas and for many years he decorated his house and yard elaborately for the holiday season. This picturesque scene was appreciated not only by his family but also by anyone who happened to see the beautiful light display while traveling at night along US Hwy 158 near the Tar River.

Jack was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his wife, Diane and all his family dearly. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Diane Ross Pennell; five children, Jackie Cooke (Darryl), Lisa Pennell, Rabian Pennell (Donna), Kelvin Pennell and Betsy Cottrell (Barry); nine grandchildren, Cat Mangum (Chad), Gabby Lunsford (Josh), Crystal Fields (Gordon), Ashley Roberts (Lamont Siplen), Elizabeth Claiborne (Derek), Kelvin Pennell Jr., Samantha Matthews (Jason), Jonathan Cottrell and Kelly Smith (James); eleven great grandchildren; one brother, Wade Pennell (Janet); one sister, Rhonda Fay Ross (Bobby) and his beloved dog, Xena Pennell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ila P. Langley, Wilma Simpson and Virginia Tuck and one brother, Ray Pennell.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.