Michael Penley Obituary

August 17, 1953 - November 1, 2023

BLOUNTVILLE - Michael O. Penley, 70, died unexpectedly on November 1, 2023 at his residence in Blountville, Tennessee. The son of Robert Earl and Margaret O'Dell Penley, he was born in Bristol, Virginia on August 17, 1953. He graduated from Science Hill High School, Johnson City, Tennessee where he was a member of the wrestling team and played trumpet in the marching band. During the Vietnam War Michael assisted in rendering military honors in the playing of Taps for burials at Mountain Home Veterans Cemetery. Michael served eight years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rate of AT1 (E6). He received his PhD in Electrical Engineering from New York University.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Margaret Penley; his wife, Judy Young; a sister, Judy P. Pickering (Glenn). He is survived by a brother, Robert Penley (Peggy) of Suffolk, Virginia and three daughters: Melissa Luckman (Don) of New York; Ashlee McNellis (Kevin) and Jennifer Penley (Bobby Willard) of Minnesota. He is also survived by three granddaughters: Madelyn Luckman, Lillian Luckman, and Natalie McNellis as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Michael enjoyed his Amateur Radio (ham radio) hobby and connecting with other Ham radio operators. He was a certified MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) operator.

A graveside service with military honors is scheduled at the Mountain Home Veterans Cemetery on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorable donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Penley family. 423-928-2245