Harry Gilly Penley

Harry G. Penely - Gate City, VA
Harry Penley was a life-long resident of Scott County, Virginia. He was born in Manville, VA on October 30, 1922 to James Harvey and Elizabeth Gilly Penley, both of whom taught school in Scott County. He graduated from Shoemaker High School in Gate City, VA after which he attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. When World War II broke out, Harry moved to San Diego, CA where he graduated from Ryan School of Aeronautics and participated in building the P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft.

He returned to Virginia in his early 20s to take responsibility for the family’s business following his father’s heart attack. He then became the owner and operator of Stock Creek Coal Company in Mabe, VA. In 1953, he was appointed Postmaster of Gate City, VA, a position he held for more than 6 years. Harry and his father were also local businessmen, owning and operating the Home Supply Company.

Harry was a devoted member and generous supporter of the Gate City United Methodist Church for over 70 years; serving as Treasurer for more than 25 years, President of the Men’s Club, President of the Sunday School class, Church School Superintendent and Chairman of the Administrative Board.

His other community activities included membership in the Gate City Lodge #170 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, from which he recently received recognition for his 65 years of membership. He also served as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors for Sovran Bank of Scott County, VA.

Harry is probably best known for his long and exceptional service as Scott County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court. Harry’s political career began at an early age and he worked in various roles within the Republican Party before being selected to run for the position of Clerk. He was elected in 1967 and began his first term on January 1, 1968. He was re-elected for three additional 8 year terms for a total of 32 years of service. He is the only person to serve as Clerk for Scott County for four terms. At the time of his retirement in 1999, he was recognized by the leadership of Scott County by hanging his portrait in the Courtroom of the Circuit Court, an honor previously reserved for judges of particular note.

While serving as Clerk, Harry became well-known for assisting families in researching their genealogical history and helping them to locate documentation of these connections. With the Penley family’s historical connection to Scott County, Harry was able to research and document his own family’s genealogy. This lead to his membership in a number of organizations, including: The Jamestowne Society, the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne, the Somerset Chapter of Magna Carta Barons, and the Sovereign Colonial Society of Americans of Royal Descent. As a result of his painstaking research and through his generous assistance to others, Harry was able to trace his ancestry to Patrick Porter, which, as a direct descendant, made him eligible for membership in the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). He subsequently became a member of the Florida SAR and was later a member of the organizing committee to form the Overmountain Men Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution. He was also a member of the Organizing Committee, Sons of Confederate Veterans local chapter and became its first Commander. Probably his proudest accomplishment was the publication of the Epaphroditus Penley Family Tree.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, June Snodgrass Penley, his sister, Gene Penley Jennings and his nephew, James B. Datig, Jr.

He is survived by his sisters, Frances Penley Datig and Jo Penley, and his niece, Virginia (Ginger) Datig Kelley , her husband, Con and Harry’s first cousin, Margaret Lane Sigmon and her husband, Charles.

The family wishes to acknowledge the following special friends for their unwavering support and love:
James and Kay Addington, Roger Peters, Allen and Carol Weidenbach , Ron Bellamy, Bob and Phyllis Parks for their constant attentiveness at church;
Rhonda Coffman, Wanda Daughtry, Sherry Lawson and other caring individuals at Wellmont for their compassionate care;
And Haley Wolf, Lizzie Johnson and Mark Tipton for being there at special times of need.

The family also thanks the following for agreeing to serve as pall bearers:

James Addington – honorary
Robert Parks – honorary
Charles Sigmon -honorary

Con Kelley
Roger Peters
Allen Weidenbach
Ron Bellamy
Barney Penley
Mark Tipton

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gate City United Methodist Church Kitchen Fund, 255 Walnut Street, Gate City, VA 24251.

Visitation will be held Friday, August, 19, 2016 from 7 pm – 9 pm in the sanctuary of Gate City United Methodist Church, which is located behind the courthouse at 255 Walnut Street, Gate City, VA 24251.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 am on Saturday, August 20, also at the Gate City United Methodist Church.

Interment will be a private, family service.