Jerry Edwin Penley, 84, of Clifford Township, PA, died suddenly on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at his residence.

Born September 1, 1941, in Swannanoa, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Charles and Cora Whitson Penley.

At the age of five, his family moved to Michigan, where his father found work in the auto industry. He grew up there, graduated from Willow Run High School, and began building a life of his own. He married Gayle Yvonne Lambert, to whom he remained faithfully devoted until the end. Together, they built a Christ-centered home and raised their family with faith and love at its foundation.

He spent 42 years working for Ford Motor Company at the Rawsonville Plant. He was a hardworking and faithful provider who took seriously the responsibility of caring for his wife and children, giving them a stable home and opportunities through many years of dedicated work.

Outside of work, he loved the outdoors and found great enjoyment in God’s creation, whether hunting, fishing, bird watching, and mowing the lawn.

He took a genuine interest in the lives and pursuits of his children. He attended every sporting event he could, always with his video camera in hand, recording their games so he could later go over the footage with them and help them become better athletes.

On Sunday mornings, he faithfully brought his family to church, where he could always be heard singing with a full voice joyfully and unashamedly off key.

As his growing family included grandchildren, he found joy in holding and playing with them, giving them each unique nick-names and never telling them “no”.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years: Gayle Lambert Penley; three children: Jason Penley and wife, Laura of Drexel Hill, PA, Nathan Penley and wife, Jenna of Clarks Summit, PA, and Jerri Kathryn Bruns and husband, Henry of Lynchburg, VA; eight grandchildren: Tyler, Sydney, Norah, Jack, Roman, Lucy, Violet and Apollo; one brother: James Ronald Penley of Monroe, MI; one sister: Bonnie Foley and husband, Ron of Ypsilanti, MI; and nephew: Ronald Charles Penley of Ypsilanti, MI.

He was also preceded in death by a brother: Charles Donald Penley

The funeral will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA, officiated by Rev. James Schmidt, pastor of the Berean Baptist Fellowship Church. Interment, Willow View Cemetery, Clifford, PA.

A viewing will be held Monday, August 17, 2026 from 5-7 p.m.