Barry Pennington

Barry Kent Pennington, 79, of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away on June 3rd at Mobile Infirmary. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 at 10 AM in the Sanctuary of Fairhope United Methodist Church with a service to follow. Born March 24, 1947 in Battles Wharf, Alabama, Barry grew up swimming, fishing, and scouting for jubilees on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. Over the course of his childhood, he developed a lifelong passion for sports that propelled him into his professional career. After graduating from Fairhope High School in 1965, he attended Livingston College on a football scholarship and graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in science, later pursuing a Master’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at the University of South Alabama. Throughout his career as an educator, he served as a classroom teacher, physical education teacher, a principal, and a coach of many sports. Barry was known to be a fair, efficient, and encouraging educator, meeting students where they were and accepting them for who they were. He undoubtedly touched the lives of thousands of students across south Alabama over the course of a 30+ year career in education. Though he was known as an intimidating teacher with high expectations, he often spoke of teaching moments on the field and in the classroom with pride and fondness. He was inducted into the Fairhope High School Athletics Hall of Fame, the Foley High School Hall of Fame, the Daphne High School Hall of Fame, and the Baldwin County Varsity Coaches Hall of Fame. He consistently improved local high schools and their sports programs, even leading the Jackson Aggies to the 3A state high school championship in 1979. Barry enjoyed fishing, watching collegiate sports, being outside, traveling, and, above all, spending time with loved ones. Whether you were a friend or a stranger, you would hear about Barry’s admiration, pride, and unending love for his family members. His thoughts were often devoted to bettering their lives, and he poured his love and adoration into his loved ones every chance he got. He was a longtime member of Fairhope United Methodist Church and often served his community through his membership there and with the Fairhope Rotary Club. Barry is preceded in death by his mother, Geraldean Forster Pennington, his brother, Harry G. "Sonny" Pennington Jr, his sister, Suzzanne Cowart, and his father, Harry G. Pennington. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Deborah Kelley Pennington, his children, Bryan Pennington (Lia), Erin Jones (Richard), and Amanda Adams (Chris), his sisters Sharon Faust (Joe) and April Long, his four grandchildren, Emma, Carter, Annabelle, and Cooper, and many nieces and nephews. Barry was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, whose love changed many lives for the better. He will be deeply missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Fairhope United Methodist Church Caring Ministries, Fairhope United Methodist Church Missions, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Barry Pennington

June 3, 2026

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Barry Pennington

June 3, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

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