The family of Thomas (Tommy, Tom) Wayne Pennington, age 87, sadly announces his passing on April 21, 2025. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on February 16, 1938 and moved with his parents to Wilmington, Delaware when he was a teenager and became a “transplanted” Delawarean.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Peggy, brother Robert Pennington (Diana), “brother”-in-law Ronnie Drake (Barbara), nieces Deanna Pennington, Janis Beach (Jay), Karen Pickard (Thomas), nephews Stephen Pennington, Timothy Reeder, Robert Reeder, and great-nephew Matthew Pennington. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Jennave Pennington and his sister-in-law Dorothy (Dottie) Squibb (Donald), and many cousins. His love and friendship were cherished by all of them.
After graduating from school in Oklahoma, Tom became a union pipefitter and belonged to the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 74 at the Delaware City refinery where he retired in 2005 after 50 years’ service. While working at his place of employment at Delaware City, he averted a near-tragic incident for which he received commendations and awards for saving the lives of several people and also on other separate occasions during his time here on earth. His kindness and caring in helping others were never far from his thoughts. He was a hero!
Tom led quite an active life style. He had a number of side interests and second jobs in addition to his pipefitting career. He was a “Chevy car” guy involved in car racing, buying and trading cars and trucks, and a good mechanic. He earned his private pilot licenses, owned his own airplane, a couple of Corvettes, and a boat. Later in life, Tom became involved in real estate and finance and was known for his business acuity. He loved people and animals.
Their love of travel took Tom and his wife Peggy to all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, London and Paris.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 4-6 p.m. at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home at 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, Delaware and funeral services will be held at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home on Thursday, May 1, at 12 noon, with a viewing starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Gracelawn Memorial Park following the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Cancer Research for Children.
