Obituary

In Loving Memory of James Randall “Randy” Pennington

James Randall “Randy” Pennington, 79, of Cumming, Georgia, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 24, 2025.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Randy was the beloved son of Theris Elizabeth and Bill Max Pennington. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Albany, Georgia, where he later graduated from Albany High School. He went on to earn his B.S. degree from Valdosta State University and his Master’s degree from Georgia State University.

Randy married Malinda Thompson on December 21, 1969, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and purpose. The couple lived briefly in Oxford, Georgia, and then in Decatur, Georgia. Randy began his career as a physics teacher before becoming a high school principal. After nearly 15 years in those roles, he served as the Director of Educational Technology for the Georgia Department of Education. He also served as an educational technology consultant for the U.S. Department of Overseas Schools, traveling to several countries in that capacity.

Over the past 30 years, Randy held senior leadership positions with a number of education publishing and technology companies, including roles as the Director of K–12 Marketing at Apple and as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Chancery Software based in Vancouver, BC, and Bellingham, WA. Randy then served as National Sales Manager at Scholastic’s Classroom and Library Division and later as Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at PCI Education. In addition, Randy served on several advisory boards, including Matchmaker Education Lab and Reflection Sciences. Most recently, he served on the HOA for The Orchards of Brannon Oaks, where he and Malinda found rich friendships and community.

As successful as Randy was in the corporate world, he was even prouder of his family. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 55 years, Malinda; his daughters, Maranda (Brent Curl) and Marissa (Ben Stafford); and his nine beloved grandchildren—Abi, Eli, Charli, Luci, Benji, Caleb, Lydia, Jackson, and Corinth—each of whom brought light to his life. Randy is also survived by his sister, Kay Griffin; his nephew, William Griffin; his niece, Samantha Towson; and his great-nephew, Hawk—all of whom he dearly loved. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Zelda Diane Davis.

To honor Randy’s memory, the family invites donations to Eagle Ranch School in lieu of flowers. Visit eagleranch.org/give to contribute.