Nathaniel Penny Sr.

Nathaniel Penny Sr. was born June 1, 1935, to the late Herman and Carolina Penny. Nathaniel was raised in Clayton, North Carolina, spending time in Smithfield, NC as well. Nathaniel attended William Mason Cooper High School but did not finish because he had to work to help his family economically. As he got older, he worked at the Red Apple Truck Stop on 301 in Smithfield.

Nathaniel owned a 1949 Ford, with painted fenders and large white rimmed tires. Each day he would park and stand outside the gates of Johnston County Training School in Smithfield, hoping to get the attention of a young lady named Jane Grantham. The two quickly built a trusting and loving relationship and married on December 29, 1956. They would move to Brooklyn, New York where Nathaniel would find employment at the Cerrone Trucking Company. He would drive tractor trailers with routes from New York City to Niagara Falls, New York. Upon the birth of their only child, Nathaniel Penny Jr., they would purchase a home and move to Queens, New York. Nathaniel worked seven years at the post office as a mail handler. From 1969 till 1991, Nathaniel was employed by the New York City Transit Authority as a bus driver at Fresh Pond Depot in Brooklyn. He enjoyed those years and would share those stories with his friends up to the day he went to be with the Lord.

Nathaniel and his wife Jane returned to North Carolina in 1991. They purchased their dream home in Selma, North Carolina. He became a member of St. Peters Church of Christ, Smithfield NC in 1997. Nathaniel held many positions while at St. Peter’s, serving as the Superintendent of Sunday School and devoted Trustee. Nathaniel loved his pastor, Bishop Richard Johnson, and the St. Peter’s congregation.

Nathaniel always had time to help anyone in need. He would say “what he does for one is the same thing he would do for another.” He was selfless and humble to a fault. Nathaniel loved to laugh and joke with family and friends. He had a playful sense of humor which often left you wondering if he was telling the truth or pulling your leg. Nathaniel was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend loved by all. Nathaniel was an avid fisherman, and the Lord blessed him with the ability to catch fish anywhere. His friends would wonder why they would cast in the same area he cast yet not get a nibble.

Nathaniel was preceded in death by parents Herman and Carolina, three brothers Herman, Garneil, Warren (Jack) a sister Myrtle and his long-time friend Bennie Sanders of over 60 years.

Nathaniel leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife Jane Penny of Selma, NC ; son Nathaniel Penny Jr (Nancy) of Bridgewater, NJ; two granddaughters Ashley Penny (Terron) of South Plainfield, NJ, and Stephanie Penny, of Lithia Springs, Georgia; great grandson Isaiah Penny of South Plainfield, NJ; god-son Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray, New Haven, Conn; two sisters Doris Dickson of Selma, NC, and Gladys Penny (Charles),Brooklyn, NY; two sister in-laws Mamie Pearl McCray, Wilson, NC, and Barbara Grantham, Gardner, NC ; two brother in-laws John Grantham, Greenbelt, MD, and Elijah Grantham, Hyattsville, Md; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and the St. Peters Church family.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family

A Letter from Heaven

When tomorrow starts without me

And I am not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

All lifted with tears for me.


I wish so much you would not cry,

The way you did today

While thinking of the many things

We did not get to say.


I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you

And each time that you think of me,

I know you will miss me too.


When tomorrow starts without me,

Do not think we are apart

For every time you think of me,

I am right here in your heart.


Acknowledgement

The family of Nathaniel Penny Sr. would like to thank Cousin Sarah Dunn for being a compassion caregiver to the family for the past five years. She has become a member of our immediate family, never leaving the side of Nathaniel and Jane Penny. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not the human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

The family of Nathaniel Penny Sr. acknowledges with deep appreciation all acts of kindness extended to them during their time of bereavement. May God richly bless you for your thoughtfulness.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at Parrishfh.com