Floyd Edison Pennell, known affectionately as Eddie to his family and friends, passed away peacefully at his home in Denton, Texas, on June 5, 2026. Born on March 31, 1932, also at home in Denton, Eddie lived a life deeply woven into the fabric of his community, leaving behind a legacy rich with kindness, craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Eddie’s early career began with Sun Oil Company, where he laid the foundation for a lifetime of industriousness and service. Upon the passing of his father, Floyd Emory Pennell, he took over the family business, Pennell Auto Parts, serving the people of Denton through NAPA Auto Parts for over 25 years. His store was not just a place of commerce but a community hub where he crafted in-store hydraulic hoses, tended to visitors around a woodburning stove, and offered a sturdy stool as an invitation to share stories and friendship at any time.

His was a proud "Ford man" who kept up with the latest vehicle innovations by visiting local Ford dealerships and car shows, always eager for a firsthand look or test drive. A veteran, Eddie proudly served in the Naval Reserves during the 1950s alongside some of his closest companions, an experience that remained a cherished chapter of his life.

Eddie’s hands were instruments of creativity and care. An exceptional handyman and carpenter, he built all the cabinets in his home and crafted furniture, walking canes, decorative crosses honoring loved ones, and a hand-carved front door that welcomed all who visited. Among his many projects was constructing boats, decks, gazebos, home remodels and an extraordinary backyard playground complete with a zipline, delighting his children and their friends. He even helped build the first Eureka park in Denton which was enjoyed by his own grandchildren and countless others over the years.

Gardening was another passion of Eddie’s. At his peak, he had a beautifully landscaped yard with azaleas, lilies, caladiums and other beauties from Dennis's Farm Store. He built his own greenhouse and even engineered a hydroponic system to grow his wonderful tomatoes year round, which he often gave as tokens of gratitude. If you received some of his homegrown tomatoes, then you were counted among his friends. He was a gift giver at heart who freely gave of his possessions to others and rarely could you leave his presence without him giving you something, whether it was a tool from his shop, a household item, or a favorite snack.

Beyond his hands-on skills, Eddie was quite the storyteller, he loved sharing tales of old Denton, family memories, and snapshots of life’s joys over the years. His kindness and humility allowed him to forge friendships wherever he went and had countless friends of all ages throughout his life. He enjoyed golfing, smoking meat, making repairs at the children’s mission house, ushering at church, RVing adventures, and weekly meetups at Whataburger and Wendy's. He thoroughly enjoyed all of his friends he had throughout his 94 years. 

Known for his extraordinary memory for names and faces, he greeted everyone with a warm smile and a sparkle in his eye. That twinkle carried a hint of mischief as he reminisced about his youth, sharing stories filled with warmth and humor. He was a natural historian of Denton and loved to recall and celebrate the people and accomplishments of Dentonites. May we all learn to speak more highly of others than ourselves.

He shared more than 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Catherine Hibbetts, whose battle with dementia led to her passing earlier this year. Eddie’s enduring love for Catherine shone brightly in his last months as he fondly reminisced about their life together.

Among his proudest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren. He was immensely proud of his daughter, Ann Bartek, and son-in-law, Monte Bartek, as well as his six grandchildren. He treasured sharing their accomplishments and milestones with friends.

Eddie was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lea Jones; his father, Floyd Emory Pennell; his son, Guy Edison Pennell; his sisters, Rosemary Hope Gissler and Kathleen Veronica Lawrence; and his wife, Catherine Marie Hibbetts.

Throughout his life, Floyd Edison Pennell was recognized as a kind, humble man who made friends wherever he went. He was a storyteller at heart, sharing photos and tales that celebrated his family, friends, and the cherished history of Denton. A great neighbor and friend, he was ever willing to offer a helping hand and make people feel truly welcome.

His loss is profoundly felt by all who knew him, yet his spirit endures in the stories he shared, the friendships he cultivated, and the vibrant community he enriched. Floyd Edison Pennell’s life stands as a testament to the power of kindness, hard work, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, June 22, 2026, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Denton (300 W. Oak St. Denton, TX 76201). Floyd will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Park in Denton immediately following the service.