The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Jimmy Dale Penick, age 80, of Orange, Texas, was called home by his Lord on July 21, 2022. Services to honor Jimmy Dale’s life will be held at Dorman funeral home, Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 10:00 A.M; officiating, Minister Paul Masters. Visitation will be held at Dorman funeral home Monday July 25, 2022 from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Jimmy Dale was born in Magnolia, Arkansas on August 29, 1941. His mother passed away when he and his sister, Virginia Ann Fregia, were young children and they were lovingly raised by their maternal grandmother, Granny Mac. Growing up he was surrounded by a family with many cousins, all girls, which prepared him for his life as a Girl Dad. In school he was a member of FFA and worked at J.B. Arrington's farm where he developed his love for animals at an early age. He was known for bringing any type of animal home, skunks included, and even had a monkey named Elvis that he brought along while hanging out at Zach's because the ladies loved Elvis. He honored his country by serving as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. He fondly spoke of his time in the military, especially while stationed in Germany, and was proud he served his nation. Jimmy married the love of his life Charlotte Dale Penick and fathered three beautiful yet unruly daughters. Jimmy and Dale had 26 years of wedded bliss until she passed away in 1995. The love he had for her was so complete that he never remarried and patiently waited to be reunited with her in heaven. He was a hardworking man spending many years employed by Schulman and River Cement, but finally found his work family at Battery Warehouse. Jimmy worked there until he retired when he was 72 but he still enjoyed going to visit, have a cup of coffee and work on a golf cart while he still could. He was a member of the West Orange Church of Christ and deeply loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. In his golden years he was able to dedicate more to his family and his grandchildren were his world, until they were all replaced by his precious dachshund Lucy, she was the apple of his eye. He was a huge fan of football and always rooted for the University of Alabama, "Roll Tide", and the Dallas Cowboys. With a dry sense of humor and gentle guiding advice he was well known to help any in need. He was an imposing figure with the heart of a teddy bear and was as solid as an oak tree. Everyone that met Jimmy Dale met one of the most compassionate, empathetic and deeply religious pillars of the community to be found. “We are so blessed to have had him as a father, a teacher and a friend. He is and will always be our hero who never fell from the pedestal we placed him upon. We love you Daddy, the world is a darker place without your light.”

Those left to forever cherish his memory are his daughters; Brandee and husband Mike Turner of Orange, TX, Sherry and husband David Philen of Bridge City, TX and Patti and husband Rodney Denton of Orange, TX, Grandchildren; Brandon Penick, Christian and husband Joshua Ferguson, Addison Denton and Jase Denton and great grandson; Jacob Alexander, his sister Virginia Fregia of Orange, and a horde of nieces, nephews, cousins, and fur babies. Or as Jimmy would say, "a whole slew of yahoos."

Pallbearers to honor Jimmy Dale are Rodney Denton, Clint Fregia, David Fregia, Tony Fregia, Keith Stephens, Kyle Stephens, Brandon Penick and Blake Pursley

Honorary Pallbearers are Lucy Penick, Whit Baker, Jase Denton, Carl Fregia, A.J. Janice, David Philen, Mike Turner, Adam Stephens and Dustin Stephens