Donald Cody Pennington

January 10, 1999 - June 5, 2019

Donald Cody Pennington, 20, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Cody was born in Charlotte on January 10, 1999, the son of Thomas Eugene Pennington and Cynthia Michelle Philipp Smith. He grew up between Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, SC, and he returned to Charlotte after the death of his namesake grandfather, Don Philipp, and the stepfather who raised him since he was three, Josh Smith. He went to work for Smith Landscaping and then on to his current job of forklift operator at 84 Lumber on Rozelle’s Ferry Road. Cody enjoyed many things in life. Raised a gentleman, he was well mannered and knew how to treat women. When he turned 18, he was proud of the fact that he could buy a firearm and bought himself a shotgun. His sense of adventure led him to enjoy many trips to Crowder’s Mountain and back and forth to Myrtle Beach. Ever the jokester, he enjoyed the “Family Guy” tv show, using Stewie’s “Mother” monologue as his ringtone. Most of all, though, Cody loved the time spent with family and friends. Whether playing Wii with his family, Uno with his girlfriend Hollin, or defending his sister’s honor as a “p” guard, Cody was one of those people in life who made the day brighter and the laughter stronger. You would meet many people during the course of a day but Cody was one of the few you didn’t forget. He was full of life and his energetic spirit, infectious laugh and vast capacity for love will be sorely missed. Cody is survived by his mother, Cynthia Smith of Myrtle Beach; his father, Thomas Pennington; his siblings, Hannah Grace, Scottie, Dustin, Kristin, and Nick Pennington, his grandparents, Sylvia Philipp, Mary Pennington, and Jack and Mardelle Smith; his girlfriend, Hollin Widmann; aunts and uncles: Melinda Kloppenburg of Indian Trail and her children Kyle Kloppenburg and his daughter, Scarlett, and Brittney Kloppenburg; Lisa (Vic) Lowder of Indian Trail and her children Kirsten (Danny) Stacks of Weddington and their children Faith, Hazel and Aiden; son Hunter Watson of Weddington and his son, Atticus Rhoades; McKenzie (Eddie) Lowder Lewis of Indian Trail and her daughter Tinslee; Mason (Brianna) Lowder of Indian Trail, and Aunt Jacqueline “Juicy” Belangia; his great aunt, Cynthia Dotson and her children Eric Buetz and Jennifer Pawlik. He is also survived by his father's family which includes his stepmother Cindy Sue Pennington, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. and his 84 Lumber work family. Cody is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Don Philipp in 2015, his stepfather, Joshua, in 2016, and his second cousin, Avery, in 2011. Cody’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. As Cody was a true spirit, all are invited to come as you are and as he knew you to a gathering to remember and celebrate his life. Public gathering will begin at 5 pm on Tuesday, June 11, at the funeral home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, with services led by Pr. Arlen Smith to follow in the funeral home chapel at 6 pm. All services will conclude that evening. In honor of his giving spirit and care for others, a gofundme page has been setup to assist those coming to celebrate his life. To donate, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/cody-pennington