March 9, 1939 – February 20, 2023
On Monday morning, February 20th, 2023, Reverend Raymond Elton Penney finished his race at the age of 83. He is predeceased by his wife, Patricia, and his daughter, Sharon Oster. He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons Todd and Matthew Penney; his brother Bob Penney; sister-in-law, Andrea Penney; his five granddaughters; as well as numerous friends and parishioners he pastored in his time in ministry.
A memorial service will be held at the Advent Christian Village Church in Dowling Park Florida on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at 11:00 AM.
Raymond was born in Melrose Massachusetts and grew up in Haverhill where he attended the Haverhill Advent Christian Church. In High School, he felt called to go into the ministry and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Theology at New England School of Theology, which later became Berkshire Christian College. During his time at Berkshire, he met his wife, Patricia and he started his pastoral ministry serving the Woronoco Union Church. Ray graduated from Berkshire Christian College in 1960. Ray and Patricia were married on August 6th, 1961. They had three children; Todd, Sharon, and Matthew. Ray went on to Gordon Divinity School to pursue his Master of Divinity, graduating in 1968 while serving at Faith Evangelical Church in Melrose Massachusetts.
Pastor Ray served in 5 churches over 47 years, with his last church being a church plant in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine. He also taught in camps and churches around the country and participated in leadership within the Advent Christian denomination at various levels. In retirement, Pastor Ray enjoyed the opportunity to preach in various churches around northern Florida including the AC Village Church in Dowling Park. His passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ, discipleship, and teaching will be greatly missed by many who had the privilege of hearing him teach.
