John M. Penland

Candler - John M. Penland, 79, passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 17, 2021 at his home. John was born in Buncombe County, and resided in Daytona Beach, FL for a number of years before returning in 1966. He was a graduate of Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, and served four years in the US Air Force, being stationed in Orlando. Upon returning to Buncombe County, John began work as a mechanic with Skyland Oldsmobile. He later went to work as a feeder driver for UPS, a position he held for 33 years, and was known by his CB handle “Rocketman.” John was an avid car fan, with Oldsmobile being his car of choice. He also loved attending and competing in drag races and car shows with cars he has owned throughout the years. His main loves were his family, his friends, his dogs, and trains. John will be remembered as a kind, compassionate and witty guy who always had a joke ready; and as someone who had mastered the art of making friends in mere minutes. John was the son of the late Twitchell N. Penland and Vera Warren Penland Hauck. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Marjorie Bartholomew Penland; daughters: Melinda Clark and Angela Lewis; granddaughters: Jenna Takac (James), Kesley Williams (Wayne), and Chariden Lewis; great-granddaughters: Aubree Takac and Atley Williams; brother, T. Dumont Penland (Patricia); niece, Melissa Penland Pomerenke (Robert), and nephew, Stephen Penland (Michelle). Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 23, 2021 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, with the Rev. Jackie Clark officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home.