Sergeant First Class Robert James Penix

If you wish to show your support by sending flowers you can contact a local florist directly: Debbie's Flowers (870) 633-2225, ROOTS (870) 270-9964, or ROYAL DESIGN FLOWERS (870) 735-2000, or by visiting www.etsy.com/shop/ShopYABAS Robert James Penix was born on April 15, 1946, in Thronton, Arkansas to the union of Douglas Penix and Lessie Mae Thrower Penix. At an early age he was a member of the St. John A.M.E. in Fordyce, Arkansas. He moved to Wichita, KS in 1957 and his family united with Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. Robert graduated from Wichita High School East in Wichita, KS and was employed by one of the very first Pizza Hut’s in the city. After high school, he worked for several aircraft companies and manufactories and later went into The United States Army where he retired after more than twenty-five years. On March 18, 1996, he married the loved of his life—Bertha Ola (Johnson) Penix. Not having any children together; he loved her children as his own, Shelby, Shawn, and Sequoyah and they fostered and cared for many children who were in need. He made St. Francis County his home after uniting with Betha Ola and was later employed by Memphis Area Transit Authority [MATA TRANSIT] and was a foreman over the mechanics until retiring. Robert and his wife [Bertha Ola] had a genuine love for children, and he helped his wife to run their childcare business [Northside Day Care, Inc.] for more than 20 years; nurturing and educating an abundance of young children. He also had many loyal customers that supported his tax service, Robert Penix Taxes. He assisted many with their tax return preparation and planning needs. After moving to Arkansas, he converted to Baptist; joining and attending El Cannon Missionary Baptist Church in Palestine, Arkansas, where he was a deacon for many years; and continued to worship and fellowshipping until his passing. He was active with the All-Veterans Empowerment Services Inc. [AVESI] in Forrest City, AR. Robert passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents—Douglas Penix and Lessie Mae Thrower Penix; his wife—Bertha O. Penix; two brothers—Willie Gibson and Clay W. Penix; and two sisters—Marceline Harvey and Betty J. Wallis. He leaves behind to cherish his memory three children he loved as his own—Shelby Smith, Shawn (Gevena) Smith, and Sequoyah (Johnny) Moore; a special son he raised—Cecil Wrath; five sisters—Hazel M. Caldwell of Inglewood, CA, Patricia A. Penix of College Park, GA, Edith C. Ruby of Carson, CA, Judith M. Williams of Marietta, CA, and Francis J. Everett of Toledo, OH; sisters in law, many of nieces and nephews, grandchildren—Shereese McDaniel, Dustin Taylor, Douglas Taylor, Shelby Smith Jr., Daniel Smith, Reina Perry, Dalton Smith, Victoria Smith, Johnathan Moore, and Jayna Moore; special cousin and friend—Sandré E. (Larkita) Norwood of Federal Way, WA; special great-granddaughter that he raised—Denca Taylor; great-grandchildren, sisters in law, nieces and nephews, cousins, others relatives, and friends.

Sergeant First Class Robert James Penix

April 15, 1946 - August 13, 2023