"The battle is lost but the victory is won."

Ernest Luther Penn, Sr. entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 22, 2013. He was born on May 18, 1931 to the late Luther Penn and Izetta English. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his step-father, James Lee "Papa," and a sister, Ernestine Love.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 57 years, Mary Grace Eubanks Penn; his children, Barbara (Martin) Davis, Machelle (Terry) Berger, Annette Thornhill, Valerie (Darren) Rushing, Rev. Ernest (Ingrad) Penn, and Tina (Barry) Day; 13 grandchildren, Aubrey, Michael, Danielle, Pierre, Terrance, LaToya, Dominique, Breanna, Alexandria, Steven, Caleb, Joshua, and Elijah; 7 great-grandchildren; a devoted nephew, Tony "Stick" Graves; 2 special loved ones, Erica Lee and Michelle Ghoston; a sister, Lorraine Fulgham; and a host of other family members and friends who affectionately knew him as "Bobby."
Ernest was saved and baptized at an early age and joined the Lovingston Baptist Church where he served as a faithful and dedicated deacon, choir member, and church sexton until his health failed him. Ernest served in Korea and as a Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve serving for 30 plus years. He was employed at Reams Furniture Company for many years; however, he was known in the community by many as the manager of Churches Fried Chicken.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Madison Heights, VA with his pastor, Rev. Edward Austin, officiating and his son, Rev. Ernest L. Penn, Jr. as Eulogist. Interment will be held at the Forest Hill Burial Park with Military Rites provided by American Legion Post 16. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service. The cortege will assemble at 1014 Sheffield Drive.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation Center as well as Centra Hospice.
There will be family visitation at Davis-Turner Funeral Home Tuesday, November 26, 7 pm to 8 pm. Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.com . Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.