James Michael "Mike" Pennington, 68, was called home to heaven on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Mike was born November 27, 1954, in Birmingham, to the late William Gene and Belva Jean (Stapp) Pennington.  He married Donna Jean (Hudson) on January 25, 1974.  Together they had two sons, Jeremy and Spencer, who were truly their pride and joy.  Mike's most favorite pastime was playing with his sons in the back yard and coaching them both into NCAA Division I athletes who both lettered at the University of Alabama.  "Boss" and "DD," as their family lovingly calls them, never missed a game.  In recent years, they looked forward each week to traveling the Southeast for the ballgames of their treasured grandsons, John Taylor (20), Cooper (16) and Hudson (13). Mike's love for children didn't end with his own; he taught youth Sunday school for years as a member of First Baptist Church of Vernon, where he also served as a deacon.

A graduate of the UAB School of Dentistry, he finished first in his class.  Mike went on to open the Vernon Dental Lab and ran it for 10 years.  Already a journeyman wireman electrician, Mike went on to join IBEW Local 917, and worked for more than 40 years as an estimator for Weathers Electric in Columbus, MS.  He especially loved to work outside, and he built his and Donna's home, and stayed at the ready to wire or construct any project requested by his beloved bride (or either of his daughters-in-law).  He reminded his girls more than once that he could "fix anything but the crack of dawn or a broken heart."  Anyone who knew Mike would attest that he loved his Donna and their family fiercely and unapologetically.  He was a tremendous example of a husband, father and friend, and he'll be dearly missed by so many.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 2, at 2:00 PM, at the First Baptist Church of Vernon, with Bro. Clyde Stephens and Bro. Brandon Phillips officiating.  Burial will follow at Furnace Hill.  Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 at the church prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be Tony Picklesiemer, Jeff Picklesiemer, Ronald Pennington, James Howard Pennington, Alan Pennington, Ray Pennington, Bryan Williams. Dan Herren, and Mike Corbett.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons, Jeremy Michael (Leah) of Columbiana and William Spencer (Sarah) of Tuscaloosa; 3 grandsons, John Taylor, Cooper, and Hudson; a sister, Rena (Mike) Jaudon; nieces Gracie Jaudon, Keri (Chad) Rogers, Amy (Kyle) Shaw; a nephew, Richard Tyler (Sarah) Pennington; and five great nieces and nephews. His brother David (Jeannie) preceded him in death.

Memorial donations may be made to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800, or go online to www.gideons.org.