If you ever met Mark Lynn Penny, you already know this: he believed in peace and love — and he lived it.
Mark was born on April 1, 1959, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and raised in Cary. (Yes, April Fool’s Day — a fact he appreciated, though he was far more sincere than mischievous.) He was preceded in death by his parents, whose memory he carried quietly and faithfully throughout his life.
Mark is survived by his three extraordinary daughters — Summer Penny, Bailey Penny, and Alanis Penny — who were, without question, the greatest joy and proudest accomplishment of his life. Being their father was his favorite title and his truest calling. He loved his girls with all of his heart — and then, more.
He is also lovingly remembered by Linda Gaster and Patty Trent Duble, who were part of the extended circle of family that surrounded his daughters with care and connection.
And then there was his “family of choice” — Charlene Edwards, April Tew (Michael), Dylan Davis, Katherine Rose, and Joseph Gbedji — who worked beside him, laughed with him, supported him, and loved him dearly. Mark believed family was built not only by blood, but by loyalty, kindness, and shared purpose — and he was rich in all three.
Mark’s life journey was beautifully layered. After high school, he joined the North Carolina Highway Patrol — a detail that later amused many who knew him as the gentle, purple-loving, John Lennon-quoting “old hippie” he became. The contrast made him smile. Beneath it all, though, the common thread was service. Whether in uniform or blue jeans, Mark believed in protecting people.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Campbell University and went on to graduate from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with his Juris Doctor. Mark practiced law in Harnett County, first with Charlene Edwards Law Office and later as a solo practitioner in Lillington. He concentrated in criminal defense and was widely regarded as one of the finest defense attorneys in the area. Clients trusted him. Other lawyers respected him. Judges listened when he spoke.
His legal career ended earlier than it should have, as Multiple Sclerosis gradually made practice impossible. But if you think MS defined Mark, you didn’t know him. He refused to let it take his purpose. He continued volunteering at Charlene Edwards Law Office until his passing — offering wisdom, encouragement, and that steady, calming presence that so many depended upon.
Mark loved John Lennon and The Beatles. He loved Snoopy. He loved the color purple. He loved animals. He cared deeply about saving the earth. But above all, he loved people — and they loved him right back. Everyone who knew Mark knew this about him: he was unfailingly kind. Not occasionally. Not when it was convenient. Always.
He believed in peace and love not as a slogan, but as a way of moving through the world. And he did so gently, thoughtfully, and without ego.
His legacy is not just in courtrooms or degrees or titles. It is in daughters who know they were cherished. It is in colleagues who were mentored and supported. It is in clients who felt heard and defended. It is in every quiet act of compassion he offered when no one was watching.
Services will be held on March 8, 2026, at Swann Station Baptist Church, 7592 Hwy 87 South, Sanford, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Mark and his family ask that donations be made to The Nature Conservancy (nature.org) or the National MS Society (nationalmssociety.org) — causes that reflect both his love of the earth and his courageous journey with Multiple Sclerosis.
If you would like to honor Mark, you don’t need grand gestures. Wear something purple. Play a little Beatles. Show unexpected kindness. Protect someone who needs protecting.
And remember: peace and love. Always.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
