James Ed Pennington

ATHENS - James E. Pennington, "Ed,& passed away Dec. 14 in the presence of his loving family. He was born March 17, 1946 in Pennington Gap, Virginia. H e met his wife, Alice, at Berea College, Kentucky and came to Ohio University in 1968 following their wedding to attend graduate school. Ed received a full tuition scholarship that enabled him to earn his Masters Degree in Government and a PhD in Higher Education Administration. He taught in the Government Department at Ohio University and worked as Vice President of Marketing for Sandy Distributors in Charleston, WV. Ed was a successful entrepreneur-- beginning his real estate investments while a graduate student and developing that into the company known today as Best of ATHENS -entals. He also launched his business career while completing his doctorate by founding the Hocking River Trading Company on Richland Avenue. That business became the sporting goods stores and pawn shops known today as the Ohio Valley Trading &amp; Exchange Company and Ohio Valley Outdoors which are located in Athens, Nelsonville, Logan, and Lancaster. He has been involved in many business endeavors with friends in the local area and served as President of the ATHENS -hamber of Commerce. He has been a very large presence in the lives of people all over the country including family, friends and business associates who were always welcomed into the Pennington home. He had a gentle, yet powerful mind and spirit that approached life with honesty, optimism, love and creativity. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting and being with family and friends. He was an endowment and life member of the National Rifle Association, the ATHENS -ish and Game Club, Hocking Valley Sportsman Association, Ohio Gun Collectorchr(39)s Association and The ATHENS -asonic Lodge. He also served on the Board of Directors of The Citizens Bank and Worldwide Distributors of Kent, WA. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice, and two daughters Caroline, spouse, Jason Thomason and Suzanne, spouse, Nicholas Whitney. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Richland United Methodist Church, 60 Pomeroy Road, Athens. A reception will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alexander Future Foundation, PO Box 204, Albany, OH 45710 in Edchr(39)s honor that will provide college scholarships. Arrangements are by Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where may send the family a message of sympathy at <a href="http://www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com">www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.