Raymond Lewis Penland

Raymond Lewis Penland, 92, of Franklin, NC passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024. He was born on March 28, 1932, in Franklin, NC to Hubert Raymond Penland and Annie Womack. Lewis graduated from Franklin High School and went on to earn a degree in Agricultural Engineering from NC State University. He was a founding member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and was enrolled in ROTC. After graduating, he was stationed at Fort Benning, GA for four years and then returned to Franklin.

He went to work for his former high school teacher, EJ Whitmire, to assist him in constructing the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Mount Pisgah. In 1966 he formed Penland Contracting, specializing in land clearing, and worked with Duke Power constructing major transmission lines for over 50 years. In 1985, he constructed his first golf course. Penland Contracting was the first company to receive the WCU Mountain Heritage Award.

Lewis was married to Betty Gillespie Penland and was a loving father to his children, Carlton Lewis (Kelly) Penland and Raymond Larry (Sheila) Penland. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren - Justin, Lauren, Seth (Katie), Patrick (Sandra), & August (Abbey) and four great grandchildren – Amelia, Hartley, Amy & Angelique. He cherished every moment he spent with them.

He loved spending time with his Polled Hereford cattle, a passion he passed on to his grandchildren. He was very active in his community including supporting the Macon County Fairgrounds, FFA, 4-H, Franklin Panther athletics and local Methodist churches. Lewis will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering faith, and his dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Franklin First United Methodist Church. If Lewis ever gave you a CAT hat, please wear it to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the FHS Athletics Booster Club.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Penland family.