David W. Penny

MALVERN -- David Wayne Penny, 65, of Malvern, surrounded by his family, entered the Lord's presence on July 17, 2026, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs.

David was born on June 21, 1961, in Seville, Spain, the son of Floyd Wayne and Patsy Ann Penny. He grew up in Jones Mills and enjoyed reflecting on his wonderful, mischievous and (from the listeners' perspective) seemingly magical childhood experiences. Many of his stories seemed unreal, but siblings, cousins and friends would back them up... although he was quite skilled in the art of embellishment.

He spent all of his grade school years at Magnet Cove School District, where he established many lifelong friendships, played tailback for the Panther football team and graduated in 1979. In 1980, after cruising East Page Avenue, David initiated a relationship in the Walmart parking lot with the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life. He married Crystal (McKim) less than two years later.

David worked several jobs, including stints at Lake Catherine State Park and Chamberlain, before returning to school in the early 1990s and earning a degree from Baptist School of Nursing in Little Rock. He served as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, spending most of his career with CHI St. Vincent Health at Home. He was highly skilled, especially in wound care and was deeply passionate about his work.

David was a red-blooded American and loved God, guns, fishing and everything outdoors. He loved exploring new places in this country that he loved so dearly, although he had no interest in visiting California. He loved listening to Jimmy Buffett while driving his young family to Perdido Key, Florida, for vacations. He loved watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation during the holidays and getting aggravated at Crystal for quoting every line right before it was spoken in the movie. He was a true character who loved making people laugh, even if it meant being the punchline himself.

David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Crystal; son, Paxton (Heather) Penny of Magnet Cove; daughter, Peyton Penny of Malvern; two grandsons, Kyler Penny and Kash Penny of Magnet Cove; brother, Fred (Mary) Penny of Magnet Cove; sister, Marti (Danny) Bennett of Benton; sister-in-law, Kelly (Greg) Crippen of Poyen; brother-in-law, Lane McKim of Arkadelphia; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family will miss his calm, assuring presence, but he leaves them with great peace and comfort, knowing that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior while at Bogg Springs Baptist Camp as a young man.

Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Regency Funeral Home, followed immediately by the funeral service at 2 p.m., with Brother Fred Etheridge officiating. Burial will follow at Magnet Cove Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Bo Bennett, Pete Boshears, Ed Conzel, Lane McKim, Kash Penny, Kyler Penny, Seth Penny and Derek Rodgers. Honorary Pallbearers are David's CHI St. Vincent Health at Home coworkers, who offered so much love and support during his recovery.

Arrangements are made by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at http://regencyfuneralhome.com.

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