Roy Dwight Penny
Roy Dwight Penny, age 77, passed from life through death into eternity on Monday, March 6, 2023. He is now absent from the body and face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ.
He was born on March 26, 1945, in Soddy Daisy, Tn. and was the oldest son of the late Roy A. and Alice Penny. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Penny Guffey; sister, Sue Penny Coleman; and brother, Barry Lamar Penny.
Roy joined the Marines in June, 1963 and was part of the initial combat landing team in Vietnam. He was attached to the Second Battalion, Fourth Marines and participated in Operation Starlight. After spending a year, six months, and nine days in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged in June 1967. After that, he joined the newly-formed Soddy Daisy Police Department in 1969 as one of the first original five police officers.
In October 1971, Roy became a City of Chattanooga Police Officer, and worked in patrol, communications, K-9, and narcotics. He retired in 1996, but continued to work for several years in various positions; such as security for Erlanger Hospital and executive protection for Storm Security in London, Ky.
Roy is survived by his wife of 43 years, Valerie Penny; sister, Peggy King; three grandchildren: Bradley (Kim) Tucker, Joshua (Casey) Tucker, and Shelby Lewis; and several great grandchildren. Also, nieces and nephews: Bo (Vickie) Coleman; Mitzi (Steve) Erwin; Mike (Rhonda) Penny; Steve (Sarah) Vickers; Martin, Ross, Patty, Tara, and Maura Penny; Jeff Nunley, McKay (Kendi) Nunley; Julie (Jonathan) Adams. He is also survived by special nephew, Jason R. Wilson.
Roy was an avid traveler, fisherman, and hunter. He enjoyed all sports and being outside with all the animals. His greatest joy was time spent planning and taking trips to British Columbia or Alaska. He truly never met a stranger and could make every story he told sound like a fantastic adventure.
In lieu of flowers, consider contributing to the Soddy-Daisy Food Bank. Or take someone fishing, eat a great meal, and make someone laugh. He would like that.
Visitation will be at Williamson and Sons funeral home on Friday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The funeral service is at 12 p.m. followed by a military service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.