Willis Joseph Pennington, 80, known to his family and friends as Joe, passed away Friday, January 31, 2014 at his home

Joe was born on Friday, December 15, 1933 to the late Willis and Edna Gretchen (Haviland) Pennington, Jr. in Traverse City. Joe was very proud of his family's roots in the Interlochen area where his grandfather was a businessman and donated the land for the Interlochen Music Camp. Joe married Margery Mae Lichty on June 3, 1952 in Traverse City. She preceded him in death on Nov. 16, 1996. On April 10, 1998 in Traverse City, he married Connie Arnold, who survives.

Formerly employed by Standard Oil Co and previously a distributor for Marathon Oil Company, both of Traverse City. He retired as a dispatcher for Schmuckal Oil Co. Joe had been a life member of Traverse City Elk's Lodge #323 where he served in various offices, including Exalted Ruler, Treasurer and Tiler. He also was a former member of the Antique Car Club of Traverse City. Joe is a member of The Twin Bay British Car Club of Traverse City.

Joe is survived by his wife Connie, by his sons Harvey Joseph "Jay" Pennington and Willis Jeffrey "Bill" Pennington; a daughter Kathie Lynne Bannister and two grandchildren, Zachary Arthur Pennington and Joeena Mae Pennington. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will take place Tuesday Feb. 4 from 6 until 8 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The service for Joe will begin at 11 a.m. Wed, Feb 5 under the auspices of Elks Lodge #323. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family would ask that Joe be remembered through memorial contributions to the Elk's Major Project Fund, The Cherryland Humane Society or to a charity of your own choosing.