Earl Christopher Penland

     Earl Christopher Penland, 60, of Black Mountain, passed away peacefully into the presence of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, June 11, 2018 at Asheville Health Care Center after a long and courageous battle with painful chronic health issues. He was born on August 10, 1957 in Buncombe County to the late Walter Calvin Penland who passed on June 26, 2012 and Kathryn Crabtree Penland who passed on October 9, 2002. He married Linda Strickland on May 15, 1986 who was his loving, faithful wife and soul mate for more than 33 years. Earl was a life-long resident of Buncombe County. He graduated from Enka High School in 1975 and worked as a landscaper. He also worked several years at Sayles Bleachery before his health issues forced him to retire early. In his youth, Earl was an active member of the Mt. Moriah Wesleyan Church in Candler, NC. He loved singing and music and often played hymns on his song flute. Earl also loved fishing and being outdoors. His CB "handle" was "The Big Fish." Earl completed and gave away many pieces of needlework including hundreds of crosses. He enjoyed reading the Bible, and especially enjoyed discussing the stories recorded in the Gospels. Although he was physically unable to attend church in the last 15 years, he was a definite witness to those who came to visit him through his kind and generous heart and his clear testimony that he was a follower of Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife, Linda Strickland Penland; his brother, Terry Wayne Penland (Amy) of Canton, NC; and his sister, Kathey Y. Penland of Brighton, CO.
     A memorial service will be held at 2pm, Saturday, June 16, 2018 in the Penland Family Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Terry Penland will be officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asheville Health Care Center - C/O Earl C. Penland Memorial Fund at 1984 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to all of the caregivers and staff of Asheville Health Care Center in Swannanoa for their excellent care and kind considerations. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Penland Family.

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