Ronnie Russell Pennington

Ronnie Russell Pennington-January 26, 1947 – October 9, 2025
Ron Pennington, a devoted husband, loving father, papaw, veteran, neighbor and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Leesburg, Florida. He was 78 years old.
Born in 1947, Ron dedicated his early life to service, honorably serving his country as a Vietnam veteran in the Army. Following his military duty, he channeled his meticulous nature and mechanical aptitude into a successful civilian career. He began working with John Cooke Volkswagen, where he honed his skills as a master mechanic.
Ron found his true calling in the classroom, transitioning his practical experience into a passion for teaching. He served for many years as an auto mechanics instructor at Central Kentucky Vocational School, where he shared his deep expertise and mentored countless students. His greatest pride was not just fixing engines, but in passing on the knowledge and confidence that allowed a new generation to build their own fulfilling careers. He completed a degree at Eastern Kentucky University and then moved into job placement as the co-op coordinator, helping students find jobs from the Central Kentucky Technical College.
Ron loved country music and playing guitar, especially for an audience. He enjoyed fishing, loved his Shelties and enjoyed cooking. He was known for making bourbon balls around Christmas. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Ron was born to Luke and Bessie Pennington and was the youngest of a large and loving family of ten children. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife of 40 years, Ann Pennington, and his three sons: Ryan, Michael, and Aaron from his first marriage in to Brenda Pennington, step-daughter Melissa Collins, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Bessie, and all nine of his siblings: brothers Odell, Brantley, Fred, Rev. Charles, and Henry Pennington, and sisters Edna Pennington, JoAnn Moore, Beatrice Philips, and Ruth Green Speigle.
Per Ron’s explicit wishes, there will be no public memorial or funeral service, but he will be laid to rest at The Lexington Cemetery. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to: Trace Church, 4330 Mark Dabling Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907