Kenneth Bryan Penland

Kenneth Bryan Penland, age 71, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2017, in Wilmington, NC.  He was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina, on May 5, 1945, to the late Bryan and Margaret Reed Penland.  Kenneth graduated from Clyde A. Erwin High School in 1964 and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in 1967, with an Associate Degree in Drafting and Technology, which prepared him for a life-long career as an Engineering Technician.  He retired from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2006 after 35 years of service.

Although residing in Wilmington, NC, most of his life, Kenneth’s love for the Appalachian Mountains and its surroundings, as well as all things wild and beautiful was evident.  In nature, he viewed natural sounds and patterns as reflections of God’s love.  During his youth, Kenneth enjoyed hiking and camping and he never tired of visiting state and national parks.  Throughout his most recent years, after a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2008, Kenneth resorted to more simplistic recreational activities- long walks with his family and dogs.  He also enjoyed extended sessions of listening to traditional bluegrass and folk music.  Kenneth’s main life-long hobby was restoration of his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air classic car. 

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Alice Reel Penland and daughter, Ashley Paige Penland, of Greenville, NC.  Other surviving family includes a sister, Rose Dixon of Fairview, NC, several nephews, a niece, and cousins. 

The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday, August 30th from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Beam Funeral Service in Marion, NC, and a graveside service will follow at 3:00 pm at chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion, NC, with the Reverend Barry Gouge officiating.  Flowers are appreciated and those wishing to make memorial donations should consider UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 101 Manning Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514.