William “Bill” Graham Penny, 85 years old passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Denver, North Carolina.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to William and Lillian Penny, Bill spent part of his early childhood in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He later returned to Brooklyn and attended Boys High School before going on to study at Duke University. A proud Blue Devil, Bill played trumpet in the Duke marching band and carried his love for Coach K’s basketball throughout his life.
Bill began his career in Washington, D.C., where he married Joyce, and together they raised four children—Cheryl, Bill, Stacey, and Christie—in Springfield, Virginia. He spent 32 years working as a contract negotiator with NAVAIR at the Navy Department. During his time there, he received the Superior Civilian Service Award for completion of a contract with the Guayule Indians for rubber. Bill then worked with Navy airplane contracts and was a beloved manager of his team. In retirement, he was a volunteer Auxiliary Police Officer at Fair Oaks District Station. Bill found joy in gardening, caring for his dogs, and sharing life with his beloved wife Kathleen.
He is also survived by her three children—Jay, Jody, and Jill—who he embraced as his own as they became part of his extended family. He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Mark, Michael, Matthew, Meredith, Cameron, and Tristan; by his great-grandchildren Logan and Austin. Bill also held a special place in his heart for his step-grandchildren—Autumn, Logan, Jordan, Kendall, Emma, Ava, and Izzy.
Bill had a passion for music, often strumming his guitar or banjo, and he enjoyed playing softball well into his later years. He was known for his quick wit, playful spirit, and ability to bring laughter to any room. He gave generously of his time as a youth coach and commissioner for SYC football where he made a lasting impact on many young lives.
To honor Bill’s memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at UNC Charlotte. He was deeply passionate about coaching football and mentoring young athletes and this cause reflects the values he held dear. Donations can be made to my.fca.org/michaelsalanik
Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, humor, and service lives on in the many hearts he touched.
There will be a memorial service at The Episcopal Church of St. Peter by the Lake in Denver, NC on June 28 at 11am
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