Page 3 - Pennington Memorial Program

Obituary
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, and relocated to Suffolk, Virginia. Eventually, they built a beautiful home in Chesapeake, Virginia. Barbara predeceased him on April 30, 2021.
After moving to Chesapeake he joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, and became a devoted and faithful member 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