Mr. Bruce Dale Pennington of Fayetteville, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the age of 72. He was born on January 15, 1951, at Newport, Arkansas, the son of Wardell Bruce and Dorothy Mae (Collier) Pennington.
Bruce grew up in Newport and was a 1969 graduate of Newport High School. Following high school, Bruce became a trained Emergency Medical Technician and firefighter working several years for the City of Newport. He then began a 25 year career with Arkansas State Police, serving both Troop B in Newport and Troop K in Hot Springs.
Bruce also served two terms as Sheriff of Saline County, retiring in 2013. Through his career of public service Bruce was well known throughout the state of Arkansas. He was taught a strong work ethic of service from his parents.
Bruce was an active member of the New Life Church in Fayetteville.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Wardell and Dorothy (Collier) Pennington; one sister, Betty Lou Pennington Daniels; and his great-niece, Sloane Simmons Briggs.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Ann (Mayhan) Pennington of the home; two daughters, Misty Marie Mayhan of Maumelle, and Lori Adams and husband, Ken, of Jonesboro; his twin brother, John G. Pennington and wife, Sue, of Newport; a very special grandson, Devin Mayhan; four granddaughters, Bailey Mayhan, Chloe Hopkins, Rylee Hopkins, and Maggie Adams; a special great-grandson, Oliver Moorehead; several nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Memorials may be made to the Wardell Pennington Food Pantry, P.O. Box 489, Newport, AR 72112 or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090.
At Bruce’s request, no service will be held. Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home..