BLACKSBURG, SC--Harold Dean Pennington, Sr., 82, of 128 Pennington Farm Dr., went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his home. Mr. Pennington was born in Cherokee County, SC. He was the husband of the late Mildred Patterson Pennington and son of the late Andrew William Pennington and Elsie Collins Pennington. A beloved husband, son, brother, father, Pop, and Great-Pop, he was a pillar of the Pennington family and his community.

Mr. Pennington was born and raised in Blacksburg, SC to loving parents and grandparents. He was especially close to his maternal grandfather, Gus Collins and counted his father, Andrew Pennington, as one of the most influential individuals in his life. He spent his childhood learning at school, spending time with cousins, friends, and family, enjoying activities like the high school band, and learning the value of hard work from his family and his job at Tinsley's Drug Store. After graduating from Blacksburg High School, he went on to graduate from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Textile Management. Along with his sister, Carolyn, he was part of the first generation in his family to obtain a college degree, and he credited his parents' and grandparents' sacrifice and hard work as integral to that accomplishment.

He returned to Blacksburg after graduation, where he spent the next six decades working in the textile industry. He worked for Burlington Industries and Wendell Fabrics before co-founding Weavetec, Inc. in 1987. In less than 10 years, he and his business partner grew Weavetec from a one loom operation to five locations with over 200 employees.

He was a member of the South Carolina National Guard for six years.

He was instrumental in the formation of First National Bank of the Carolinas in 1995, serving on its Board of Directors, and also co-founded Benchmark Investments, Inc. in 2008. His work ethic was unparalleled and his favorite quote, "success comes to those who persevere", described the way that he lived every single day of his life.

He was successful in every sense of the word, but he would be the first to tell you that his greatest success was his family, whom he loved dearly. He married his beloved wife, Mildred, in 1965 and they went on to have two children, Harold, Jr. and Paula, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson with another on the way. When Mildred was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, he took on the role of a faithful, devoted, and meticulous caregiver. He never left her side for doctor's appointments, surgeries, and treatments for almost seven years, until her passing in 2011.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Blacksburg. Over the years, he served on various committees and was instrumental in the construction of the church's Family Life Center. He cared deeply for the church and enjoyed supporting building and renovation projects over the last forty years.

In 2019, he was inducted into the Cherokee County Hall of Fame and, the following year, inducted into the Cherokee County Hall of Success as a member of the Blacksburg High School Class of 1960.

He was a man of few words, but his wit and wry smile spoke for themselves. He was incredibly humble, exceptionally generous, and loyal to the people he loved and the beliefs he held dear. Even at 82, he was in the office five days a week, spent his Saturdays fixing up tractors and antique cars at "The Land" with his son and grandsons, and never missed a family celebration, even spending the Saturday before his passing celebrating his great-grandson's second birthday. While those of us here mourn his passing with deep sadness and loss, we celebrate that he's reunited with his beloved wife, devoted parents, and others who've gone on before him. We will miss him beyond belief, but his strength of character and values will live on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and future generations to come.

Survivors include son, Harold Dean Pennington, Jr. and wife Laurinda of Blacksburg, SC and their children, Allison Elizabeth (Victor) and Andrew William (Madyson); daughter, Paula Pennington Cobb and husband Kelee of Blacksburg, SC and their children, William Dean (Anna) and Kaleb Christian; one great grandson, Luke David and another expected in May, Eli Harold; aunt, Bonnie Sue Collins Depperman; sisters-in-law Beth Patterson Dalton, Celia Patterson Pribble (Daryl), and Sadie Patterson Lowery (Steven); and nine nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Elizabeth Pennington Roark (Tommy) and a brother, Dewey Wayne Pennington.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 pm Friday, February 28, 2025 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Blacksburg. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 1, 2025 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Blacksburg conducted by Dr. Terry Duvall and Mr. Will Cobb. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kelee Cobb, 110 Pennington Farm Dr., Blacksburg, SC.

Pallbearers serving are Andrew Pennington, Will Cobb, Kaleb Cobb, Victor Pirie, Richard Dobbins and Tony Blanton.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his loving helper, Angela Pursell, who was a blessing to us all.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church, Blacksburg.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC