Robert Gordon Penney, Jr.

Robert Gordon "Robbie" Penney Jr., 72. passed away at Whitney Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long and hard-fought battle with dementia.

Robbie was born on January 2, 1954, in Whitney, Texas, to Robert and Bonnie (Perkins) Penney at the old Whitney hospital, now known as The Endzone. He graduated from Whitney High School in 1972 and continued his education in radio and television repair at Texas State Technical College. In later years, he furthered his education in electrical work and water treatment.

On July 13, 1972, Robbie married the Love of his life, Sharon Nelson. Together, they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage and raised two beautiful daughters, Sherri and Candi.

Throughout his life, Robbie worked in many different fields, including radio and television repair, photography, several positions at the mushroom farm, and eventually as a chemist and water treatment specialist at the Bosque Power Plant. He was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to learn new skills throughout his life.

Robbie developed a love for hunting and fishing at an early age, thanks to his father, and he carried those passions with him throughout his life. He also deeply loved music. In high school, he played bass guitar in the FFA talent show and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. He sang in the high school choir, church choir, and at several events around town over the years.

He was a proud member of Whitney Masonic Lodge #355 AF & AM since 1982. Robbie also faithfully served his community as Assistant Fire Chief for the Whitney Volunteer Fire Department and served two terms on the Whitney Independent School District School Board from 1985 to 1991. In the 1990s, he and Sharon were active members of the Lake Whitney Fishing Club.

Robbie was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bonnie Penney; his grandparents, C.K. and May Jane Penney and R.L. and Thelma Perkins; and his father-in-law.law, C.F. Nelson; and his brother-in-law, Lowell Nelson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Penney; daughters, Sherri Sorter and husband Robert, and Candice Penney; grandchildren, John "JT" Knepler, Fayth Roman, and Dakota Sorter; and great-grandchildren, Everleigh Roman and Kora Lee Sorter.

He is also survived by his "bonus" children, David and Sonia Laremore; bonus grandchildren, Mike and wife Laney Laramore, Ashley and partner Patrick Hill, and Ethan Laramore; and bonus great-grandchildren, Whitley and Bretlyn Laramore. Brothers, David Penney and wife Nita, Charlie Penney and wife Penny, and Rusty Penney and wife Joann; sister, Connie Gant and husband David; brother-in-law, David Nelson and wife Rose; sister-in-law, Judy Nelson. Robbie also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Jean Nelson, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Robbie will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his community, his love of music and the outdoors, and the kindness and laughter he shared with everyone who knew him. He was a member of Towash Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Whitney Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Wings Over Texas Hospice for the love, care, and compassion shown to Robbie during his illness.

A  Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney. With a Funeral service to be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors' Chapel in Whitney. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Whitney.