Jerry Ray Penland

Jerry Ray Penland

Jerry, affectionately known as Poppy by his grandkids, was born on October 28, 1946 in Elk City, OK. He was the son of Hugh and Floy Penland. Jerry died peacefully at home on September 14, 2026.

Jerry was a 1964 graduate of Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City. He was an alumnus of Central State College and held a degree in Accounting. He began his professional life working for the state of Oklahoma as a water quality specialist. He spent most of his very long career traveling the state of Oklahoma as a commercial real estate appraiser. Jerry officially retired at the age of 77. Anyone who rode in the car with Jerry was also educated about all the buildings or properties appraised by him–without question you would hear, “you know I appraised that building once.”

His hobbies included golf (which he often characterized as a “stupid game”), world traveling, watching OU football, watching the Oklahoma City Thunder, singing in the choir at Linwood UMC and later at Mayflower UCC, and volunteering with both churches. He enjoyed eating breakfast at a locally owned diner, and routinely doing the daily crossword puzzle in the paper.

Jerry’s greatest accomplishment was unifying his blended family and leaving a legacy of love, sacrifice, and dignity for his five daughters and one son to cherish. He met his wife, Cindy, at church when most of their kids were school-aged. Together they created a loving and welcoming home perpetually putting the well-being of their kids first. Jerry traveled the world with Cindy exposing them to many different cultures and people. Their adventures blessed them with wisdom and humility that they imparted on their children.

Most of his eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren only knew Poppy for a short time in their young lives. However, they will without question feel his love and admiration eternally. Poppy was one of a kind.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Floy Penland, his brothers Jack Penland, Glen Penland, Frank Penland, Ed Penland, and his sister Shirley Griffin.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Cindy Penland of Edmond, OK, his daughter Amanda & Bill Degan of Boyd, TX, (grandchildren Hannah (Zoe Burklow), Ryen (Mandy Degan), Peter & Abbigail), (great grandchildren Bennett, Collins, & Casey Degan, Wyatt, Elijah, Jeremiah, & Bailey Burklow), daughter Emily Penland of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter Stephanie & Scott White of Arcadia OK (Liam), daughter Allie & Caleb Cole of Wyandotte, OK (Audrey, Aiden, & Cierra), son Tyler & Caitlin Newcomb of Oklahoma City, OK (Turner & Noella), and daughter Amy Newcomb & Kaleb McCullock of Edmond, OK (Eva).

The family of Jerry would like to express sincere gratitude to the Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ Choir for their contribution in celebrating his life and to Dr. Reverend Lori Walke for her pastoral care and love.

Services will be held at 2pm on Friday, September 18th at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ, 3901 NW 63rd St. in Oklahoma City.

To watch the service please follow the link. https://www.youtube.com/live/W6d_telqy68?feature=share&themeRefresh=1