Don Pennington Obituary

Don Pennington
AIKEN - Don L. Pennington, MD, passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025, following a prolonged illness. He was devoted to his family and is survived by his loving wife Patricia Kennedy Pennington; three sons, John Whitton "Whit" (Karen McPherson) Pennington, Shelbyville, KY, Lee Kennedy Pennington, Annapolis, MD, Matthew Brooks (Sandra) Pennington, Toronto, Canada; two granddaughters, Georgia Kennedy Pennington and Mae Elizabeth Pennington; a sister, Diane Pennington (Murray) Patterson, Atlanta, GA; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews on both sides of his family.
Don was born on June 5, 1939, in Atlanta to the late Lavara H. Pennington and Johnsie F. Pennington. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, Atlanta, in 1961 and completed his Doctorate of Medicine at The Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta, GA, in 1965. After interning at MCG's Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital, Don served as a Captain, U.S. Air Force Medical Corps during 1966-1968 at Clark Air Base Hospital, Luzon, The Philippines, where he treated Vietnam War casualties and the local community. While at MCG, Don met Patricia Kennedy in 1965 when he attended the first reenactment of the Battle of Aiken; they married in June 1968 at Clark Air Base prior to his honorable discharge from military service.
Following his return to the United States, Don completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Nashville, TN, in 1970, then accepted a year-long Cardiology Fellowship at the same institution. Don and Patricia moved to Aiken in 1971; that year, Don opened his private medical practice, Aiken Cardiology Associates, PA, where he specialized in Internal Medicine and Cardiology from 1971 until 2001 as a full-time practitioner. During his career, Don worked at Aiken County Hospital, which closed in 1973, and then Aiken Regional Medical Centers. He was Aiken County Hospital's first certified cardiologist. He also served as a member of the consulting staff at University Hospital in Augusta.
In 2002 Don began practicing medicine part-time and opened a branch office in Barnwell, SC, for Aiken Cardiovascular Associates. He also provided care at the Free Medical Clinic located at the Savannah River Site. After the Barnwell office closed, Don served as the first Supervising Physician for the Aiken Cardiac Rehabilitation Program managed by Aiken Regional Medical Centers at The University of South Carolina Aiken Wellness Center. He fully retired from his professional career in 2020 but never stopped providing medical advice and care to persons in need.
Don's affiliations included the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology, American Medical Association, South Carolina Medical Association, Aiken County Medical Association, Aiken Senior Life Services, and Aiken Mental Health Board. He was also a member of the Aiken Businessmen's Club, Aiken Rotary, and Palmetto Golf Club. Over the years, he sat on the boards of many local professional and charitable groups and served as a deacon for First Baptist Church of Aiken. He was a tireless advocate for not only healthcare but also special education and hard-of-hearing support services.
In his free time, Don was a passionate reader and an avid Bridge player; he was a lifelong learner who believed in the liberating power of education and critical analysis. An enthusiastic gardener, he tended to blooms and trees with the same devoted attention that he gave to his patients. He leaves behind a legacy of loving his family and caring for others without seeking acclaim. "Doc" Pennington is already missed.
A graveside service will be held at Bethany Cemetery, Aiken, at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025 with The Rev. John Carroll officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 322 Gayle Avenue NW, Aiken, SC, 29802, or to First Baptist Church of Aiken, P.O. Box 3157, Aiken, SC, 29802.
Online memorials for Dr. Pennington can be shared by visiting www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com.
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC.,
924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801