Obituary - courtesy of www.aqharacing.com
FRANKLIN, TX—AUGUST 31, 2011—Native Texan and longtime American Quarter Horse trainer J. Benny Pennington passed away on Tuesday, August 30. The 64-year-old conditioner stayed positive despite several tough health battles including a heart attack and melanoma.
Pennington was running horses at Retama Park in Selma, Texas last weekend and had a finalist, William Henry, in the TQHA Sires Cup Derby (G3). Trainer Kie Mushinski, who has known Pennington for 30 years, sat with him during the races.
"Benny told me it was just like old times," said Mushinski. "He loved to sit and talk after the races instead of rushing in and out. Benny was always happy; no gloom and doom with him. He was very knowledgeable about his horses and really loved to be at the track."
Pennington ran horses at Sam Houston Race Park since the track opened in 1994. He had many celebrated champions including multiple distance stakes champion, Windville, Sheza Dashing Disco and JC My Diamond Man. Pennington started 4,228 horses beginning in 1977, winning 475 races and purses of $2,839,512.
Eric Johnston, vice president of racing, credits Pennington not only for bringing quality horses each year to Houston, but for his friendly demeanor and engaging personality.
"He was a great supporter of Sam Houston Race Park since the opening quarter horse meet and a true friend to myself and every one he met," said Johnston. "My sincerest condolences go out to Miss Wanda and his family."
Pennington was prominent in Louisiana for the past several years, finishing eighth in the standings in the 2011 Delta Downs meet with 12 wins from 72 starts.
"Benny was a really good person and an excellent horseman," commented Tony Patterson, assistant director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder Association. "His presence would always make everyone's day much, much better. God has a special place in heaven for someone as special as Mr. Benny."
"Benny was a horseman that loved the horse racing industry for all of the right reasons," said Rob Werstler, TQHA racing director. "He loved the daily interaction with the people and the horses. He was a great advocate for the racetrack chaplaincy. He was a friend to all, always willing to lend a helping hand or tell a great story. He will be sorely missed."
Pennington is survived by his wife, Wanda and daughters Jill and Arlisa. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 2 at Franklin Church of Christ, 517 Bremond Street, Franklin, Texas, 77856. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Dugger Cemetary in Seguin, Texas.
BIO: by Karla Todd Sherer
~Lifelong Friend~
Benny was the son of John and Marguerite Gentry Pennington. His parents moved to Newton, TX, from Arkansas, not long after they married. Benny and his sister were both born in Newton.
His parents ran a Sawmill Commissary for many years. Benny went to school in Newton, Texas, from 1st grade through graduation and was a beloved member of the Newton High School Class of 1965. Benny and I were born exactly 2 months apart and were raised across the street from each other for many years. Along with his little sister we called "Sissy", we all grew up like siblings. We remained good friends throughout our lives even though we didn't get to visit often as adults, we kept updated through our mom's who remained best friends for life. I'll never forget our high school days like working on our biology projects and Benny never forgot it either. We did ours together and laughed about it for years. The day I saw Benny holding his first little girl was a special picture that remains in my heart today. The most proud "daddy". He was loved by friends, and teachers alike throughout his school years and by all who worked with him in the horse training and racing world through his adult life. The pride and joy of his family, Benny married his loving wife Wanda, 12 Jul 1969, and they raised two beautiful daughters. All their friends and loved ones will keep the family in their prayers as they are left to mourn this loss. Benny was a great friend to all who knew him. A kind man, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had the best sense of humor and kept it through all life's challenges. He will be missed by so many and remembered by all.
Rest in love and peace my dear friend....your race is over now.
FRANKLIN, TX—AUGUST 31, 2011—Native Texan and longtime American Quarter Horse trainer J. Benny Pennington passed away on Tuesday, August 30. The 64-year-old conditioner stayed positive despite several tough health battles including a heart attack and melanoma.
Pennington was running horses at Retama Park in Selma, Texas last weekend and had a finalist, William Henry, in the TQHA Sires Cup Derby (G3). Trainer Kie Mushinski, who has known Pennington for 30 years, sat with him during the races.
"Benny told me it was just like old times," said Mushinski. "He loved to sit and talk after the races instead of rushing in and out. Benny was always happy; no gloom and doom with him. He was very knowledgeable about his horses and really loved to be at the track."
Pennington ran horses at Sam Houston Race Park since the track opened in 1994. He had many celebrated champions including multiple distance stakes champion, Windville, Sheza Dashing Disco and JC My Diamond Man. Pennington started 4,228 horses beginning in 1977, winning 475 races and purses of $2,839,512.
Eric Johnston, vice president of racing, credits Pennington not only for bringing quality horses each year to Houston, but for his friendly demeanor and engaging personality.
"He was a great supporter of Sam Houston Race Park since the opening quarter horse meet and a true friend to myself and every one he met," said Johnston. "My sincerest condolences go out to Miss Wanda and his family."
Pennington was prominent in Louisiana for the past several years, finishing eighth in the standings in the 2011 Delta Downs meet with 12 wins from 72 starts.
"Benny was a really good person and an excellent horseman," commented Tony Patterson, assistant director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder Association. "His presence would always make everyone's day much, much better. God has a special place in heaven for someone as special as Mr. Benny."
"Benny was a horseman that loved the horse racing industry for all of the right reasons," said Rob Werstler, TQHA racing director. "He loved the daily interaction with the people and the horses. He was a great advocate for the racetrack chaplaincy. He was a friend to all, always willing to lend a helping hand or tell a great story. He will be sorely missed."
Pennington is survived by his wife, Wanda and daughters Jill and Arlisa. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 2 at Franklin Church of Christ, 517 Bremond Street, Franklin, Texas, 77856. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Dugger Cemetary in Seguin, Texas.
BIO: by Karla Todd Sherer
~Lifelong Friend~
Benny was the son of John and Marguerite Gentry Pennington. His parents moved to Newton, TX, from Arkansas, not long after they married. Benny and his sister were both born in Newton.
His parents ran a Sawmill Commissary for many years. Benny went to school in Newton, Texas, from 1st grade through graduation and was a beloved member of the Newton High School Class of 1965. Benny and I were born exactly 2 months apart and were raised across the street from each other for many years. Along with his little sister we called "Sissy", we all grew up like siblings. We remained good friends throughout our lives even though we didn't get to visit often as adults, we kept updated through our mom's who remained best friends for life. I'll never forget our high school days like working on our biology projects and Benny never forgot it either. We did ours together and laughed about it for years. The day I saw Benny holding his first little girl was a special picture that remains in my heart today. The most proud "daddy". He was loved by friends, and teachers alike throughout his school years and by all who worked with him in the horse training and racing world through his adult life. The pride and joy of his family, Benny married his loving wife Wanda, 12 Jul 1969, and they raised two beautiful daughters. All their friends and loved ones will keep the family in their prayers as they are left to mourn this loss. Benny was a great friend to all who knew him. A kind man, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had the best sense of humor and kept it through all life's challenges. He will be missed by so many and remembered by all.
Rest in love and peace my dear friend....your race is over now.
Obituary - courtesy of www.aqharacing.com
FRANKLIN, TX—AUGUST 31, 2011—Native Texan and longtime American Quarter Horse trainer J. Benny Pennington passed away on Tuesday, August 30. The 64-year-old conditioner stayed positive despite several tough health battles including a heart attack and melanoma.
Pennington was running horses at Retama Park in Selma, Texas last weekend and had a finalist, William Henry, in the TQHA Sires Cup Derby (G3). Trainer Kie Mushinski, who has known Pennington for 30 years, sat with him during the races.
"Benny told me it was just like old times," said Mushinski. "He loved to sit and talk after the races instead of rushing in and out. Benny was always happy; no gloom and doom with him. He was very knowledgeable about his horses and really loved to be at the track."
Pennington ran horses at Sam Houston Race Park since the track opened in 1994. He had many celebrated champions including multiple distance stakes champion, Windville, Sheza Dashing Disco and JC My Diamond Man. Pennington started 4,228 horses beginning in 1977, winning 475 races and purses of $2,839,512.
Eric Johnston, vice president of racing, credits Pennington not only for bringing quality horses each year to Houston, but for his friendly demeanor and engaging personality.
"He was a great supporter of Sam Houston Race Park since the opening quarter horse meet and a true friend to myself and every one he met," said Johnston. "My sincerest condolences go out to Miss Wanda and his family."
Pennington was prominent in Louisiana for the past several years, finishing eighth in the standings in the 2011 Delta Downs meet with 12 wins from 72 starts.
"Benny was a really good person and an excellent horseman," commented Tony Patterson, assistant director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder Association. "His presence would always make everyone's day much, much better. God has a special place in heaven for someone as special as Mr. Benny."
"Benny was a horseman that loved the horse racing industry for all of the right reasons," said Rob Werstler, TQHA racing director. "He loved the daily interaction with the people and the horses. He was a great advocate for the racetrack chaplaincy. He was a friend to all, always willing to lend a helping hand or tell a great story. He will be sorely missed."
Pennington is survived by his wife, Wanda and daughters Jill and Arlisa. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 2 at Franklin Church of Christ, 517 Bremond Street, Franklin, Texas, 77856. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Dugger Cemetary in Seguin, Texas.
BIO: by Karla Todd Sherer
~Lifelong Friend~
Benny was the son of John and Marguerite Gentry Pennington. His parents moved to Newton, TX, from Arkansas, not long after they married. Benny and his sister were both born in Newton.
His parents ran a Sawmill Commissary for many years. Benny went to school in Newton, Texas, from 1st grade through graduation and was a beloved member of the Newton High School Class of 1965. Benny and I were born exactly 2 months apart and were raised across the street from each other for many years. Along with his little sister we called "Sissy", we all grew up like siblings. We remained good friends throughout our lives even though we didn't get to visit often as adults, we kept updated through our mom's who remained best friends for life. I'll never forget our high school days like working on our biology projects and Benny never forgot it either. We did ours together and laughed about it for years. The day I saw Benny holding his first little girl was a special picture that remains in my heart today. The most proud "daddy". He was loved by friends, and teachers alike throughout his school years and by all who worked with him in the horse training and racing world through his adult life. The pride and joy of his family, Benny married his loving wife Wanda, 12 Jul 1969, and they raised two beautiful daughters. All their friends and loved ones will keep the family in their prayers as they are left to mourn this loss. Benny was a great friend to all who knew him. A kind man, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had the best sense of humor and kept it through all life's challenges. He will be missed by so many and remembered by all.
Rest in love and peace my dear friend....your race is over now.
FRANKLIN, TX—AUGUST 31, 2011—Native Texan and longtime American Quarter Horse trainer J. Benny Pennington passed away on Tuesday, August 30. The 64-year-old conditioner stayed positive despite several tough health battles including a heart attack and melanoma.
Pennington was running horses at Retama Park in Selma, Texas last weekend and had a finalist, William Henry, in the TQHA Sires Cup Derby (G3). Trainer Kie Mushinski, who has known Pennington for 30 years, sat with him during the races.
"Benny told me it was just like old times," said Mushinski. "He loved to sit and talk after the races instead of rushing in and out. Benny was always happy; no gloom and doom with him. He was very knowledgeable about his horses and really loved to be at the track."
Pennington ran horses at Sam Houston Race Park since the track opened in 1994. He had many celebrated champions including multiple distance stakes champion, Windville, Sheza Dashing Disco and JC My Diamond Man. Pennington started 4,228 horses beginning in 1977, winning 475 races and purses of $2,839,512.
Eric Johnston, vice president of racing, credits Pennington not only for bringing quality horses each year to Houston, but for his friendly demeanor and engaging personality.
"He was a great supporter of Sam Houston Race Park since the opening quarter horse meet and a true friend to myself and every one he met," said Johnston. "My sincerest condolences go out to Miss Wanda and his family."
Pennington was prominent in Louisiana for the past several years, finishing eighth in the standings in the 2011 Delta Downs meet with 12 wins from 72 starts.
"Benny was a really good person and an excellent horseman," commented Tony Patterson, assistant director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder Association. "His presence would always make everyone's day much, much better. God has a special place in heaven for someone as special as Mr. Benny."
"Benny was a horseman that loved the horse racing industry for all of the right reasons," said Rob Werstler, TQHA racing director. "He loved the daily interaction with the people and the horses. He was a great advocate for the racetrack chaplaincy. He was a friend to all, always willing to lend a helping hand or tell a great story. He will be sorely missed."
Pennington is survived by his wife, Wanda and daughters Jill and Arlisa. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 2 at Franklin Church of Christ, 517 Bremond Street, Franklin, Texas, 77856. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Dugger Cemetary in Seguin, Texas.
BIO: by Karla Todd Sherer
~Lifelong Friend~
Benny was the son of John and Marguerite Gentry Pennington. His parents moved to Newton, TX, from Arkansas, not long after they married. Benny and his sister were both born in Newton.
His parents ran a Sawmill Commissary for many years. Benny went to school in Newton, Texas, from 1st grade through graduation and was a beloved member of the Newton High School Class of 1965. Benny and I were born exactly 2 months apart and were raised across the street from each other for many years. Along with his little sister we called "Sissy", we all grew up like siblings. We remained good friends throughout our lives even though we didn't get to visit often as adults, we kept updated through our mom's who remained best friends for life. I'll never forget our high school days like working on our biology projects and Benny never forgot it either. We did ours together and laughed about it for years. The day I saw Benny holding his first little girl was a special picture that remains in my heart today. The most proud "daddy". He was loved by friends, and teachers alike throughout his school years and by all who worked with him in the horse training and racing world through his adult life. The pride and joy of his family, Benny married his loving wife Wanda, 12 Jul 1969, and they raised two beautiful daughters. All their friends and loved ones will keep the family in their prayers as they are left to mourn this loss. Benny was a great friend to all who knew him. A kind man, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had the best sense of humor and kept it through all life's challenges. He will be missed by so many and remembered by all.
Rest in love and peace my dear friend....your race is over now.
Gravesite Details
Thanks to Bettie here on Findagrave for sponsoring Benny's memorial
