Mr. Ralph Pennington Sr., of Chesapeake, Virginia was a strong-willed man who lovingly cared for his family and friends. He was devoted to his community and church, and was an avid distance runner for many of the 85 years of his life.
Born on March 28, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, Ralph was the son of late Raphel Pennerman and Rose Pennington; and the paternal grandson of Archelius Pennerman and Lucinder Brown; maternal grandson of Theophiles Griennage and Geniova Griennage; and predeceased brothers, Bernard and Alvin.
He attended New York City public schools, inclusive of Boys High School. While in high school, he was actively engaged in sports; including football, baseball, and gymnastics. Upon graduation, he entered City College and completed a few years of a collegiate education prior to commencing his professional career in the field of computer science.
In 1958, Ralph met Lessie Newsome, who became his first wife in 1959. From this union, two sons and one daughter were born; Ralph Jr., Austin, and Arlene. Lessie, his first wife, predeceased him in 1989.
Ralph was a pioneer in the infancy of the computer science industry, working at a variety of corporate entities, inclusive of Four Phase and St. Joseph’s Mineral Corporation. He finalized his career, working as a civilian with the Naval Exchange, for 15 years, as a telecommunications specialist. He initially worked at a Naval Base in Staten Island, New York and eventually relocated to the Virginia Beach area. He retired from the Navy in 2003.
After retiring from the Navy, Ralph felt a strong desire to finish his collegiate education and went back to school. He earned an associate’s degree at Paul D. Camp Community College and then earned his bachelor’s degree in information technology at Old Dominion University, at the age of 70. He was a strong proponent of education and believed in acquiring as many degrees as possible.
Ralph first professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined Bethany Baptist Church in the 1980s. He met his second wife, Barbara Henry at Bethany and in March 1990, they were united in holy matrimony. In 1995, they relocated to Suffolk, Virginia. Eventually, they built a beautiful home in Chesapeake, Virginia and they joined Ebenezer Baptist Church. He became a devoted and faithful member of Ebenezer serving in various capacities including singing in the choir, as a trustee, and Boy Scout leader. He truly loved and enjoyed his experience with the Boys Scouts and provided excellent leadership and nurturing to his scouts.
Although always engaged in some form of athletics throughout the course of his life, a new passion developed in his 50s for distance running. He became an avid runner, participating in numerous long distance runs, and eventually became a marathon runner. He ran and completed the New York City Marathon at least three times.
Ralph rose to the loving arms of his savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Joyful memories of a loving and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather will long be shared by his son Ralph (Dale), daughters, Arlene (Michael), Valerie, step-daughters, Jaquenette (Donovan) and Brenda; grandchildren, Malcolm, Shanaya, Alexander, Charity, and Adrian; step-grandchildren, Jordan (Erika), Drew, Jalyn, and D’Jassie; great granddaughter, Raya; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends throughout the country.
We, the family, shall forever remember Ralph as a passionate, candid, and devoted spirit full of unconditional love. He was committed, direct, goal-oriented, wise, articulate and so much more.
We take comfort in knowing that Ralph is now at peace surrounded by the light.
The Family
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Thomas Keith Sneed says
March 30, 2022 at 7:10 pmRalph and Dale,
Shelia and I want to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers
Keith & Shelia
Bernard Chavez says
March 30, 2022 at 7:49 pmRalph and Dale,
I just want to extend my deepest condolences and sympathies about your loss. My dad passed in April 2020,and I truly understand the loss and anguish. But the recovery is within both of you. Time will carry you to strength and acceptance.
Marina Franchild & Zipporah Harrish Ha says
March 30, 2022 at 9:36 pmZipporah and I want to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to you, Dale, and your husband and your entire family. May Mr. Pennington’s memory always be a blessing.
Marina and Zipporah
Askia & Nadirah Muhammad says
March 31, 2022 at 10:01 amSorry to hear about your loss. Askia and I offer our condolences. May the Pennington family find peace and joy in your cherished memories of Mr. Pennington Sr.
Wale Adeyemo says
March 31, 2022 at 12:37 pm….awesome dad….huge loss. Dale, Alex and Ralph, please accept my heartfelt condolences. May God Almighty grant the repose of his soul and grant all members of your family the fortitude to bear the loss. Eternal rest O Lord, grant him.
Michael Thompson says
March 31, 2022 at 4:15 pmTo all members of the Pennington family, my deepest condolences. Being a extended family member I share your feelings of loss. Dad was direct but loving. He will always be remembered and missed. Rest In Peace. Michael Thompson
Phyllis O Burnett says
April 1, 2022 at 11:08 amTo the Pennington Family we send our deepest sympathy. Knowing only Ralph, Dale and Alec i can only think on how very proud he must have been of you all. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
Dave and Jan Neumann says
April 1, 2022 at 8:56 pmWe offer our condolences and prayers to the Pennington family. Sorry for your loss.
Bob & Lani Wright says
April 3, 2022 at 4:40 pmSo sorry for your loss. The obit shows he was a truly remarkable person.
The Rice Family says
April 3, 2022 at 4:52 pmOur condolences to the family. May he R. I. P.
Janet Kealy says
April 3, 2022 at 5:20 pmMy sincere condolences to my friend and co-worker, Ralph, and to the entire Pennington family.
Toni Pennington says
April 4, 2022 at 12:16 pmUncle Ralph was the kindest, sweetest man. His bright smile and infectious laugh made everyone feel welcome. Within his humility he made you feel covered. He was the person who could make anyone feel like they were not alone. The best part of him is his children. They share that same love, kindness, care and humility. Thank you Lord for sharing him with us. Rest peacefully Uncle Ralph ❤️
Jaime Puccioni says
April 4, 2022 at 12:51 pmSincere condolences to the Pennington family.
Ursula (Adrienne) Boykins says
April 10, 2022 at 7:27 pmLearned today of your passing, papa Ralphie! I will always treasure the time that was spent listening to stories about your life and hanging out with you and Mrs Barbara who was also a heaven sent angel! You have 6 amazing great grandchildren that your legacy will live through. They will know who you were. The last time we spoke you expressed your desire to upbuild the Kingdom of Heaven and work within your church home and I am happy that the works of your life were able to speak for you.
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