Eugene M. Pennix was born November 13, 1927, in Winston Salem, NC to Virgie Lee Pennix and James Higgins.

He was raised in humble beginnings by his mother and grandmother in a slave house located in Gibsonville, North Carolina.

His grandmother Viola Pennix, affectionally known as "Doc Ola" was a midwife and took extra care to ensure that he thrived as he was not expected to live after his birth.  He endured the Great Depression, WW II, Jim Crow, the 1960's Civil Rights movement, and COVID.  He was a fighter and would sometimes refer to himself as a "survivor".

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army of the United States in 1947, Eugene took advantage of his veteran's benefits - enrolled in North Carolina A&T State University and completed his Bachelor of Science in 1953.  Secured funding to build his first home at the age of 19 with the main purpose of providing a comfortable home for his mother, grandmother, and soon-to-be wife Norma Jean Chavis.

Eugene and Norma Jean were married in September of 1949 and were loving and devoted parents to three children Tony, Kenneth, and Teresa.  He showered his children with everything they needed and most of what they wanted.  He loved his family and held the belief that the topmost priority of a man was to take care of his family.  If you are a man his first question to you may be "are you working?"

Eugene was a provider!  He worked at Cone Mills, Lorillard Tobacco Company, sold insurance, and refrigerators, worked janitorial maintenance, and held two jobs for many years.  He sacrificed and did whatever he had to do to take care of his family and to ensure his son Kenneth received the best medical care money could buy.

In 1959, after turning down a teacher's position (which offered low wages), and an opportunity to attend law school, he chose a position at the US Postal Service where he made a career that allowed him to provide the life he envisioned for his loved ones.  Those who worked under his supervision describe him as a fair man with the ability to communicate effectively and assist them in succeeding in whatever capacity in which they worked. He demonstrated respect toward others treating them with dignity.  It is stated that he was one of the best supervisors ever.  He retired from the US Post Office in 1990.

Eugene was an achiever and a doer.  He founded HMP Construction Company, in 1974.  He and his partners desired to establish a black-owned company to support the needs of the community.  He was a shrewd businessman – building several single-family homes and home additions.

The only difference between men and boys is their toys. He was a collector - enamored with trains. His hobbies were woodworking and deep-sea fishing, he enjoyed story-telling, poetry, useless trivia, and history.  He remained abreast of current events and expressed his political views with clarity.  It was an emotional moment for him when America elected Barack Obama - our first black president.

Because of his reverence for God's creation, he believed we had a responsibility to care for our environment and protect wildlife. His love of animals was apparent as he nurtured several dogs throughout his life.  To his surprise, he found himself with a unique attachment to a cat, Sabrina.  She was most precious to him.

He was charitable and donated annually to the NAACP, ACLU, National Breast Cancer Society, and other organizations that championed the health and well-being of others.

Eugene had a clever mind, quick wit, independent spirit, and was extremely generous.  If you needed something, he would do it for you or teach you how to do it.  If you need financial support, he would help you.  He never forgot his humble beginnings.  He helped many people to not only survive but to thrive!

He has many unnamed accomplishments, but his legacy of love will empower others to dream and to prosper in the society in which we live through hard work, education, empathy for others, and God's grace.

On Thursday evening January 13, 2022, our Heavenly Father invited Eugene to take His hand and come home.  His wife of 42 years, Norma Chavis Pennix, beloved sons (his boys) Tony, Kenneth, and his grandson, LeRoy T. Gill, III, preceded him in death.

He will be deeply missed by: his daughter Teresa Pennix Gill (LeRoy); sister-in-law's Montrose Mosley (Thomas) and Rosemary Chavis; grandchildren Markevian Pennix, Anthony Poole, Mikael Abdullah (Christine), Asmarah Clinkscales (Marcus), and Tavia Robinson; 15 great-grandchildren; long-time friend Mable Wright, and friend and caregiver Leverne Kimber; along with a host of nieces, nephews and other dear relatives and friends.

Public viewing of Mr. Pennix is 12 noon - 5:00 pm Thursday January 27th in Hargett Funeral Service 905 East Market Street  Greensboro, NC.  Visitation with the family is 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Friday January 28, 2022 followed by the funeral in St. Mary's Catholic Church 1412 Gorrell Street Greensboro, NC. The interment will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday the 29th in First Baptist Church Cemetery Gibsonville, NC