Jack Eugene Pennington
Jack Pennington
Jack Eugene Pennington, age 94, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on November 28, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1931, in Washington, D.C., the son of Howard Pennington and Mabel Pennington.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife (Fay); parents (Howard and Mabel); two sisters (Eleanor and Helen) and one brother (Robert). Jack is survived by three brothers (Howard, Lee and Bill); his son Jack (Ann); his daughter Jeanette; Grandchildren Elizabeth, Brittany, Andrew, Emma, James and Zachary; great-grandson Eli; and numerous friends and family. A special recognition to Joe Burgess, Jack’s best friend for most of his life. Joe will always be family to Jack Jr. and Jeanette. Our Dad always knew you to be his ‘brother from another mother’.
Jack proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a B-29 Superfortress tail gunner with the 19th Bombardment Group. Stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, he flew 27 combat missions in support of United Nations forces against Communist North Korea. On February 4, 1953, Airman First Class Jack Pennington was awarded the Air Medal for his combat service.
Following his honorable military service, Jack returned home in 1955, completed his education at Washington & Lee High School, and briefly worked as a surveyor before beginning a long career with the Arlington County Fire Department. He joined the department in 1955 as a professional firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and served the community with pride for over thirty years before retiring in 1988.
Jack was active in civic and community life, serving as president, vice president, and treasurer of the South Warren Ruritan Club, as a member of Bennett’s Chapel Church, sat on the board for Rivermont Fire and rescue, a member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He took great pride in being a part of and supporting his wonderful community.
A memorial service and funeral will be held beginning at 11:00am on Saturday, January 24th, at Maddox Funeral Home located at 105 W. Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630. Interment will be at Panorama Memorial Gardens located at 4917 Strasburg Rd., Strasburg, VA 22657 immediately following the service.