Leroy Pennington

Leroy Pennington was born in Gridley, CA, on April 28, 1928 to parents Gladys and Fredrick Pennington. Raised in Butte Sink on the Sacramento Outing Club near Pennington, he attended North Butte and West Butte Schools, and graduated from Live Oak High School. He joined the Merchant Marines at age 17 during World War II. He worked in the grocery business for 12 years, and, in 1949, he and Leona Neal married. In 1954 Leroy and his growing family moved to the Butte Sink area where he and Leona managed duck clubs at the Sacramento Outing and Berry Patch for over 50 years. Leroy loved wildlife and conservation of wildlife, participating in all aspects recovering wood duck eggs and building nesting boxes. Many people were treated to frogging with him in the tules. For many years he could be found on the Sacramento River fishing for stripers and salmon. Leroy was awarded many accolades for his involvement in Ducks Unlimited and the California Wildlife Association. A "bucket list" trip for he and his three siblings was a trek to Alaska, following their father's footsteps, who went to the Alaskan gold fields in 1898. Live Oak Lions Club was founded in December 1953 with Leroy as one of the founding members. At his death, he was the only remaining charter member in the club. Throughout the years, he worked diligently on all projects. He was a great supporter of the Lions Eye Foundation. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lloyd (Jerry), and sister Winnie Hayes. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Leona; three daughters, Jill Pennington, Live Oak, Elana (Jay) Varner, Turner, Oregon, and Marcia (Dennis) Turner, Live Oak; two grandchildren, Jeff (Sara) Bloss, and Keri (Curt) Scribner as well as six great grandchildren. A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Ullrey's in Yuba City. Funeral services will be held at Ullrey Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with graveside services following at Live Oak Cemetery. Leroy's life will be celebrated at Live Oak Community Center following the services. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to the Live Oak Lions Club or charity of choice .