Brian Pennington, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and servant of God, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, at the age of 86 in McKinney, Texas.
Born on March 19, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, Brian was the beloved son of Dwight Hillis Pennington and Esther Helena (Carter) Pennington. He was raised in Kansas City, where he graduated from Southeast High School before pursuing his education at the University of Denver, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Brian's remarkable career in engineering saw him contribute to groundbreaking achievements, including work at Boeing, NASA, and on the Titan 3 missile program. His efforts played a vital role in humanity’s historic achievement of landing a man on the moon. Brian’s professional endeavors took him and his family across the globe, enriching their lives with diverse experiences.
In a storybook twist of fate, Brian met the love of his life, Laurie Lynn McMurray, when they served as best man and maid of honor at a wedding. One year later, they exchanged vows, beginning a beautiful union. Together, they raised four children: Lynn, Leigh, Scott, and Shannon. Brian’s unwavering devotion to his family and steadfast moral guidance instilled in them the values of hard work, determination, and integrity.
Later in life, Brian felt a divine calling and attended Wesley Biblical Seminary, where he earned a Master of Arts in Divinity. His faith-driven ministry included serving as a pastor at local churches, participating in prison ministries, and embarking on mission trips to Belize, Honduras, Tanzania, and other destinations alongside Laurie. His dedication to spreading hope and faith left an indelible mark on countless lives.
Brian found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time at the family cabin in Gunnison, Colorado, a treasured retreat built in 1937.
He is survived by his beloved wife of many decades, Laurie Lynn Pennington; his children, Lynn Ann Zuercher (Todd) of McKinney, Texas, Leigh Ellen Bunn of Huntsville, Alabama, Shannon Sula Milholland (Scott) of Prosper, Texas, and Brian Scott Pennington (Robbin) of Bartlett, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Jason, Jenny, Matt, Jessica, Lauryn, Dylan, Hannah, Jacob, Hayleigh, Katie, Clara, and Carynne; his great-grandchildren, Carsyn, Isaiah, Blair, Charleigh, and Annie; and a host of loving family and friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Esther Pennington; his brother, Bruce Carter Pennington; and his son-in-law, Johnny Ray Bunn.
Brian’s family requests that donations be made to your local church in his memory.