James Edward “Moe” Pennington, age 64, of the Belk Community, passed away Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, at St. Thomas River Park Hospital in McMinnville after an extended illness.

He was employed at AO Smith until the business closed.  James was of the Baptist faith and Lieutenant with DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department, where he also served as the training officer for many years.

James was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on December 28, 1959, to parents Leve and Jo Anna Pennington. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Claude and Mattie Pennington and Buford and Velma Jaco; and nephew, Christopher Cass.

He is survived by sister, Felicia Woodard; nephews, raised as sons, Daniel Summers and Joshua (Jennifer) Summers; great-nephews and great-niece (grandchildren), Payton Summers, Anthony James Summers, Wyatt Summers and Adison Summers.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Martin Bell and Bobby Pennington officiating. Burial followed in New Union Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Josh Summers, Daniel Summers, Payton Summers, Charles Jaco, Waylon West, and Jamie Norrod. Honorary pallbearers were Fire Dept., Wyatt Summers, Tim Smoot and AJ Summers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to DeKalb Funeral Chapel to help with funeral expenses. 

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.