Bill James Pennington, 86, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026. Bill was born on September 7, 1940, in Lake Village, Arkansas, to James and Nora (Couples) Pennington.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1966. After completing his service, he earned an Associate Degree in Engineering, which led to a long and dedicated career as an Equipment Specialist at Tinker Air Force Base, where he worked as a Federal Civilian employee for 39 years.

Bill lived a full and active life. He enjoyed hunting and watching football, especially his beloved OSU Cowboys and Dallas Cowboys, and he loved to travel. He served for many years with the Lions Club of Choctaw, Oklahoma, and spent countless seasons coaching Little League football and soccer, touching the lives of many young athletes in his community.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Betty Pennington, of the home; son, James "Lee" Pennington of Choctaw; daughters, Sharane (Tony) Lopez of Midwest City and Chandra (Warren) Welt of Harrah; brother, Jim (Jackie) Pennington of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren, Brittany (Nick) Wolters, Aubrie (Mason) Hale, Jolstin (Kelsey) Himes, Rebecca (Ron) Zimmerman, Jake (Daisha) Welt, Shelby Welt, Caleb Himes, Chandin Himes, and Abigail Welt; twenty great grandchildren; niece, Patricia Pennington and great niece, Summer Pennington of Zweibrücken, Germany; Blaine (Rebecca) Masson of Jacksonville, Florida; stepdaughter, Kathy Harlow of Midwest City; step-granddaughters, Christina (Robert) Gregory and Cody Cota; and 8 great-step-grandchildren. He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, and nieces, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nora Pennington; brother, Richard Pennington; stepson, David Smith; step-granddaughter Marie Cota; and his loving wife of 48 years, Nellie Pennington.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the trauma doctors, trauma nurses, and medical staff at Integris Baptist Medical Center, as well as the compassionate nurses at Integris Health Hospice House, for the exceptional care and kindness shown to Bill and his family.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Viewing is Thursday, 9am-8pm, with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, October 2 at Mercer-Adams Chapel with interment following in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.