Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Royce Van Pennington, affectionately known as “Brother Royce” by those who loved him and attended his ministry, age 91, of Gatesville, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 28, 2024.
Born on March 30, 1933, in Gatesville, Brother Royce spent his early years playing and working on the family’s dairy alongside his five cousins. Their adventures were numerous and legendary as they helped deliver milk to Gatesville residents during the Great Depression and World War II, forging lifelong bonds and memories.
Brother Royce lived a life dedicated to faith and service. Ordained to preach at Oglesby Baptist Church on Oct. 1, 1950, his calling led him to Southwestern Theological Seminary, where he graduated on Oct. 20, 1966, after also earning a degree from Baylor University. His ministry spanned several Southern Baptist churches across Central and East Texas, including those in Corrigan, Pennington, Blanchard, and the Gatesville and Oglesby areas during his early years. Even after retiring from full-time ministry, he continued to serve as an interim pastor for various churches in East Texas, dedicating nearly seven decades to the ministry he cherished and showing love and compassion to all who knew him.
Brother Royce also served as moderator for the Unity Association, part of the Southern Baptist Convention, and was instrumental in promoting involvement in Vacation Bible School, enriching the summer experiences for countless children. His commitment to youth programs fostered unity and belonging within the church community, and he worked closely with the Piney Woods Baptist Encampment to ensure meaningful summer camps for young people.
In addition to his pastoral work, Brother Royce volunteered for the draft during the Korean War, serving as a chaplain and demonstrating his dedication to his God and country.
An avid fisherman and hunter, Brother Royce cherished the outdoors as much as he loved serving his community. To his family, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather—his unwavering support a constant source of strength. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carilyn Pennington; his children, Tim Pennington (Debora), Art Pennington (late wife Irene), and Zachary Pennington (Eileen). He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Meeks; his father, Van Otha Pennington; and his sister, Johnnye Roberta Hoover.
Brother Royce's legacy of faith, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, at 3:30 p.m. at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston with a reception to follow. Visitation will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the fine caregivers at Choice Hospice for their compassionate care during dad’s final few weeks on earth.
