Hilliard Hilton Penland

Hilliard Hilton Penland, 96, formerly of Trotter Place, Asheville, died Thursday, May 24, 2007, at Emerald Ridge Health Care. A native of Asheville, he was a son of the late Weldon and Ida Louise West Penland. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen Morgan Penland, who died in 1988; a brother, Hanford W. Penland and a sister, Christine Ingle. Mr. Penland graduated from Asheville High School in 1929, Biltmore Junior College in 1933, and in 1937, he earned a degree in Industrial Chemistry from International Correspondence Schools. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and retired from American Enka where he worked as a chemical engineer. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America earning the Silver Beaver for Distinguished Service to Boyhood, Order of the Arrow, Arrowhead Honor and Scouter’s Key. He also served as the Dogwood District Commissioner and the Daniel Boone Commissioner. Mr. Penland was a member of the American Chemical Association, Engineering Club of Asheville, UNCA College for Seniors, an honorary member of the UNCA Alumni Board, post commander of the American Legion and the United States Power Squadrons. He had a life membership to the Disabled American Veterans and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Survivors include his sons, James H. Penland and Terry L. Penland; grandchildren, Jeffrey J. Penland, Cyndi L. Penland and Lisa Penland Peters; great-grandchildren, Destiny Penland, McKayla Peters, Sydney Peters and Michael Penland and a brother, Guy K. Penland. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Dr. Buddy Corbin officiating. His family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 pm Friday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 531 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.