CHARLES EUGENE "GENE" PENNINGTON

PENNINGTON, CHARLES
EUGENE "GENE", 82
Ocala - Mr. Gene Pennington, 82, of Ocala, died peacefully at his home Saturday morning, August 31, 2013. Born in Bethlehem, FL, he moved to Ocala in June, 1966. He retired as Superintendent of the Florida Power Corp. Substation Operations in Ocala, a company for whom he worked for 43 years. Gene graduated from Lake Wales High School, and attended UF on a football scholarship. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Ocala, where he served as a Deacon. He also was a Mason for 60 years, and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He served as the Past Master of Morning Star Lodge #94, Past President of the 14th Masonic District and was an active member of the Ocala Shrine Club. He proudly served as an officer in the Florida National Guard. Gene held several community leadership positions, including former president of the Fort King Middle School PTA, former president of Vanguard High School Booster Club, former member of the Board of Directors of the Marion County Youth Football League, and organized and chaired the Florida Power Corporation Retiree Organization (known as the FPC Pioneer Club).
Survivors include his daughter, Joan Pennington; his two sons James and Joseph; 5 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Janet Pennington in 2011.
Visitation for Mr. Pennington will be held from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Graveside services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday, September 4, 2013, in Highland Memorial Park, 1515 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, with Dr. Phillip E. Hanes officiating. Condolences may be left at
www.hiers-baxley.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children-Tampa, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612-9411.