Edward Moore Penick Sr
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Jun 14th, 2014
- Death Date: Jun 14, 2014
- Save: Print this Obituary
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Biography: Edward Moore Penick, Sr., age 92, of Little Rock passed away Saturday, June 14, 2014, peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Little Rock, January 2, 1922. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Evelyn Whitmore, sons, Edward Penick, Jr., George Penick and wife, Sharon, Charles Penick and wife, Shelley and daughter, Lydia Worthen Penick; grandchildren; Ashley Landers, Shannon McLendon, Dr. Edward Penick, III and wife Jill, Mollie Fisher, Erica Kimball and husband David, George ?Whit? Penick and wife Mitzi, Megan Voss and husband Dustin, Evelyn Wade, Emily Richardson and husband Joshua, and Elizabeth Miles; and 18 great grandchildren; his brother, Carroll Penick and wife, Susan and sister, Virginia ?Ginger? Parra. He was preceded in death by his parents; Mary Worthen and James Henry Penick, step-mother, Virginia Penick, sister, Mary ?Cissy? Brandon, brother, James H. Penick Jr. and great grandson, Weston Penick. Edward M. Penick, Sr. led Worthen Bank to become one of the nation?s great banks and Arkansas? largest, with 12 banks and nine financial services companies and assets of $3 billion. Elected president of Worthen Bank in 1961, Penick pioneered branch banking in the state of Arkansas, setting the stage for multi-bank holding companies. Penick graduated from Little Rock High School in 1939. He joined the Army Air Corps and received his pilot?s wings in September 1942. He served 22 months in China with General Chennault?s 14th Air Force Group, the Flying Tigers, where he received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals and the Purple Heart. He was also awarded the Chinese Government?s Brave Aviator Award and the Chinese Victory Medal. Released from active duty in December 1945, he held the rank of Major and Squadron Commander. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 in the Korean War and trained to fly B-50 bombers. Penick returned to University of Arkansas to receive a degree in banking and finance in 1946 and a Doctorate of Laws degree in 1948 from the UA School of Law. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He did post graduate work at Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University and School of Finance and Public Relations at Northwestern University. Penick?s grandfather, W.B. Worthen, started Worthen Bank in 1877. He first joined Worthen Bank in 1939. He joined the Board of Directors in 1951, appointed President, CEO, and Chairman from 1974 to 1983. He began the formation of the First Arkansas Bankstock Corporation in 1971. After he left Worthen Bank he worked for Eichenbaum Liles and Heister law firm. He served as an Arbitrator with the National Association of Security Dealers and the New York Stock Exchange. He retired in 1996. Penick formerly served in many civic leadership positions. He was President of the Bank Public Relations and Marketing Association, President of Arkansas Bankers Association, Vice-President of American Bankers Association, Director of Little Rock Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Chair of the National Advisory Committee of the Comptroller of the Currency. He was also named Chairman of the University of Arkansas Development Council, Arkansas Alumni Association, and Board member of the University of Arkansas Foundation. He was awarded UA School of Law distinguished alumni and ?Significant Sig? from Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a member of the Board and Executive committee of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association and State Fair for 40 years. He served as President of the Pulaski County Community Chest; state Chairman of Arkansas Ducks Unlimited, Director and former Chairman of UALR Board of Visitors, Director of Industrial Development Company of Little Rock, President of Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Board of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, President of Arkansas Heart Association, Board of Y.M.C.A, President of the Board of the University of the Arkansas Foundation, Trustee of the Arkansas Arts Center, Chairman of the Board of Baptist Health Foundation, Director of Smith Capital Management, Board member of Crow Burlingame, President of the Residents Council at Parkway Village, elected to the University of Arkansas College of Business Hall of Fame. He also served as a civic leader with many other organizations. In 1998, the Masons awarded him the 33rd degree, a rarely bestowed, singular honor for his outstanding contributions to Masonry, the community as a whole, and to mankind. He was a lifetime member and trustee of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Penick was an avid outdoorsman and was compassionate about education, his family and faith. In lieu of flowers the family has asked donations be made to the following; James H. Penick Memorial Scholarship, c/o UALR Foundation, 2801 S. University, Little Rock, AR 72204; James H. Penick Boys and Girls Club, 1201 Leisure Place, Little Rock, AR 72204; Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West 17th St., Little Rock, AR 72206. A visitation will be Monday June 16, 2014 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home. The funeral will be held Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 10 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Cathedral followed by a graveside service at Mount Holly Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com
We just learned of Mr. Ed's passing and I am so sorry. I sure he will be missed by a lot of people. I will miss getting his notes and I will miss Mr. Ed and you Ms. Evelyn. R.I.H. Mr. Ed.
Don Curdie
Bettie Leonard
CWR Construction, Inc.
Family we are sorry for your loss, we Pray the days will pass and healing will take place. God Bless Each of You. May our longtime friend --- Mr Penick, as we called him-- RIP. Tommy and Diane Thompson
Allen & LaRue Holloway
Our condolences to the entire Penick Family and all of you are in our prayers.
Bill & Glenda Gillespie.
God speed Mr. Penick.
His three son's and daughter are something, but His grandchildren are AWESOME!!!!! They are destine to achieve Great Milestones as they had a shepherd to guide and encourage them!
There isn't anything one can truly say to help but you will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Love,
Mary Ann
So sorry to learn of your loss. Father's are a precious part of our lives. I am sure you have lots of memories to wrap yourself in to still feel his love. Prayers for you and your family.
Joann C. West