Max Gardner Pennell

Max Gardner Pennell, age 88, of Jefferson, NC passed away at Johnson City VA Medical Center on November 24, 2018. Mr. Pennell was born in Zionville, NC on July 20, 1930.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L.S. Pennell and Lennis Isaacs Pennell Davis, sister Anna Lee Beach of Zionville, and several half- brothers and sisters.

Max is survived by his wife, Charlotte (married 66 years); four sons; Max Eugene Pennell of Bunnell, FL, Teddy Pennell (Sherry) of Boone, Ricky Pennell (Kathy) of Fleetwood, and Steven Pennell of Jefferson; two daughters, Shirley Harrison (Billy) of Blowing Rock and Jo Ann Dobes (Willie) of Jacksonville, FL; one sister, Mary Alice Isaacs of Zionville; one brother, Johnny Pennell of Boone; also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Max was a truck driver for over 42 years of his life. He retired at age 62 from Hollar & Greene Produce of Boone. He was avid reader of Western books and enjoyed Western movies. His favorite thing and love was bluegrass music. When his children were growing up he loved to go camping which always included a bluegrass music festival. He had a passion for watching birds which included many bird feeders. He was known in his neighborhood as the man to bring walnuts to. He would sit for hours and hours in the winter time and crack walnuts. Max’s soul was filled with quick wit, humor and giving to others. He was a proud dad of his family and their accomplishments.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 3:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Mike Barfoot. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military rites.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursday, November 29th, 2018 prior to the funeral service at Ashelawn.

Flowers will be appreciated, or memorials may be made to CLC Care Hospice, c/o Mountain Home VA Voluntary Services (135), P.O. Box 4000, Mountain Home, TN 37684. (Please list CLC Care Hospice in the memo of the check)

You may send and view condolences to the family through our website, www.ashelawn.com. Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and Gardens was entrusted with Mr. Pennell’s arrangements.