Gone to a Better Place

I'm sorry to report that John Fred Penley, son of John T. and Cynthia Jane "Jennie" Forbes Penley passed away on November 10, 2008. He had been a patient at Holston Manor Nursing and Rehab Center since April. He returned to Kingsport from Abbottstown, Pennsylvania after being diagnosed with cancer.

We all miss him. Above, Uncle Fred is pictured with Bertha Collins Forbes, who is the sister of Fred's late wife, Betty. She is the widow of Simon Fanning Forbes Jr., the youngest son of Simon and Margaret Morgan Forbes, and the half-brother of my grandmother, Jennie Forbes Penley. Bertha lives in Kingsport. This photo was taken in September 2008.

Sgt. John Fred Penley

A memorial service was held in the atrium at Holston Manor. A bluegrass band played a few songs, Tom Landis and Vicki Byington sang "You Are My Sunshine," and military honors were performed . Below, the flag is presented to Randy Penley.

An interesting coincidence....

Fred died on November 10, which is my birthday.

My Dad, Roy, died on December 25, which is the birthday of Fred's daughter and my cousin, Jane.