Whit Pennock

Whitney Lee Pennock completed his earthly journey and stepped into glory on December 12,2024, at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Debra Carol Pennock, along with their children Danielle Hejl and husband Jeffrey, Nicholas Pennock and wife Corinne, Jennifer Day, Stephanie Godsey and husband Kyle. Whit was loved and adored by 11 grandchildren: Mason and Landon Hejl, Kayden, Connor, and Kenna Pennock, Jefferson and Emerson Day, Hailey, Wyatt, Scarlett, and Alivia Godsey. He is also survived by his brother, Len, and wife, Cheryl, nephew, Luke, and niece, Brandy.
Whit was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Steve, and wife, Ramona. God blessed Whit and Ramona early in their marriage of 36 years with the birth of daughter Danielle and son Nick. Life demanded Whit's journey pass through peaks and valleys, the most difficult of which was caring for a critically ill wife. But he continued to follow the new avenues God opened for him in his journey after Ramona's passing.
Whit was born on May 29, 1954 in Galveston, Texas, to Leonard and Eula Pennock and grew up in nearby Texas City. Whit's journey with his Lord really soared like the eagles he loved while in college when he married Ramona Evans. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Art. His time at UT made him a Longhorn for life, a trait passed down to his children and grandchildren. He found a job using his art skills drawing ads for Skaggs Alpha Beta grocery store in Austin, but didn't find much fulfillment there. After becoming a member at the Leander Church of Christ Whit's roots grew deep, his faith took flight, and his influence changed the trajectory of generations.
Whit's interests and hobbies were varied, full of life and fun. He had been a drummer since his high school years performing in rock bands. Letting kids, young and old, play on the drum set in his music room was a particular joy of his. This year Whit joined the Academy 4 nonprofit organization that mentors fourth graders and was excited to teach 20 ten-year-olds how to play The Little Drummer Boy in his last class on December 6. The first time he ran the class their lesson was on rhythm. Whit compared it to our heartbeat and how every living thing has a rhythm. He called it the "beat of life".
Disc golf was another hobby he enjoyed. Through the years he gathered groups of men that met weekly to play. He often counseled, mentored and shared his faith on the golf courses.
Whit's love for fishing probably grew out of his childhood years on the coast of Texas. Every year he led a group of men on deep sea fishing excursions fishing for fish and fishing for hearts searching for the Lord. He loved to spend Saturdays teaching grandchildren the art of fishing.
Whit loved the mountains and guided many youth treks up "fourteeners" in Colorado. He was famous for his analogies, making a Bible lesson out of everything he saw.
Whit and Debby shared a love for travel, photography, and hospitality, making instant friendships everywhere they went. They loved gathering people around the table to share bread and The Bread of Life.
These were Whit's hobbies, but his passion was people. From 1982-1998, Whit served the church as youth minister. His unique ability to disciple and inspire teens, always pointing them to Jesus created bonds among the group that continue to stand the test of time. In 1998, Whit transitioned into the role of family minister. He also has been serving as a caring shepherd for the church that worships at Leander. Whit's desire to serve people was his reason for being. He was the "balloon man" on Sunday mornings and as a last act of service to families, he drove 14 of the "Young at Heart" group to see Christmas lights the night before he got to see the Light of the World face to face.
Whit's typical parting words were a blessing:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you And be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Number 6:24