James Whitt Pennington

James Whitt Pennington age 90, of Meridian, passed away on April 3, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will take place at 2:30 P.M., Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Meridian. Private family only burial will take place in the Meridian Memorial Cemetery. Bro. Richard Creech, Bro. James Gilbert and Mark Jackson will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Pallbearers will be Mark Wallace, Ken Kattner, Mark Jackson, Mike Fetner, John Fulton, David Winkler, Payton Wallace and Don McMahon. Honorary Pallbearers will be former athletes coached by James Pennington in Miles, Texas as well as Michael Stevens.

James Whitt Pennington was born in Ben Wheeler, Texas to K.E. Pennington and Lula Bess Hardegree. He graduated Martins Mill High School in 1951 and went on to further his education getting his B.S. degree from Wayland University in 1955 and then his M.Ed. degree from Sul Ross University in 1962. James worked from 1955 until 1966 at Miles ISD as teacher, coach and principal. In 1966 he began working at Ballinger ISD as the Superintendents assistant and remained there until 1978. From 1978 until 1992 he worked for the Andrews ISD. Three years as the assistant to the Superintendent and eleven years as Superintendent. A job he took great pride in and enjoyed until his retirement. James always had a heart for service to his communities. He held many positions on various boards and organizations throughout the years. James married Gloria Mince on December 20, 1952 in Van Zandt County, Texas. They shared a life full of love and were blessed with 68 years before she preceded him in death in 2021. James and Gloria were faithful members of the Meridian First Baptist Church for a number of years sharing their love for the Lord with anyone they met. What a glorious reunion it must have been when they were reunited once again.

Left to cherish his memories are his daughters, Sherry Stevens, Lori Morgan and husband, Ernie; grandchildren, Michael Stevens, Cayden Morgan, Kaylee Heetland and husband, Clayton; brother, Horace Pennington and wife, Nell; special friend, Shirley Sides; faithful caregiver, Rachel Byrd; numerous other relatives and many friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, K.E. Pennington and Lula Bess Hardegree; and wife, Gloria Mince Pennington.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in James' name to:

Texas Baptist Men (DBA Texans on Mission) 
5351 Catron Drive
Dallas, TX 75227  

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home 254-435-2792