Chester Bernard “Chet” Penninger, Jr., born on June 10, 1943, passed away on August 1, 2024. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Chet touched the lives of many with his warmth, humor, and kindness. He was the son of the late Chester Bernard Penninger and Elsie Mae Elmore Penninger.
Chet grew up in Charlotte, NC, attending East Mecklenburg High School. He continued his education at NC State University, where he was an active member and social chair of the SAE fraternity. Following his undergraduate studies, Chet earned an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. After earning his MBA, he taught accounting and economics at the University of South Carolina, believing that teaching was the best way to truly appreciate a topic.
After his academic career, Chet joined the South Carolina Air National Guard, securing one of only two positions available in the state. He trained in Del Rio, Texas, earned his wings, and broke the sound barrier in a T-38 trainer jet. He went on to fly the F-102 Delta Dagger as part of the South Carolina Air National Guard’s 157th Fighter Squadron’s Swamp Foxes, based out of McEntire Joint National Guard Base.
Transitioning to the business world, Chet became an institutional stockbroker, gaining a reputation for his analytical expertise, particularly in double weave textile technology. After his parents became ill, Chet took over the family business, Penninger’s One Hour Martinizing, on Broad River Road in Columbia, SC. Under his leadership, the dry-cleaning business was rebranded to Tripp’s Fine Cleaners and expanded from one store to twelve, earning international recognition and winning the Best of Columbia award from 1992 to 2024.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chet was a devoted family man. He married Andre in 1981, and they shared a life filled with love, travel, and joy. Together, they raised three children: Tripp (wife Kristin), McCoy (wife Scottie), and Madison (husband Thomas). He was a proud grandfather to Mary Kate (20), Elizabeth (18), Elsa (8), Rowan (6), Hart (2), Thomas (2), and Little Chet (1).
Chet was a coach, confidante, mentor, advisor, and best friend to his family. He loved spending time on the golf course with his friends, sons, and son-in-law. He was happiest at North Litchfield Beach or in Blowing Rock, NC, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Chet will be remembered for his generosity, dedication to his family and community, and love of family traditions and gatherings. His legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Chet was a member of Blowing Rock Country Club, Forest Lake Country Club, The Varsity International Group (consisting of the world’s top twenty dry cleaning operations), and a founding member of LIGGA (Life is Good Golf Association). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Chet’s memory to Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, https://www.heathwood.org/support/give-now, Hammond School, https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/30208/donations/new?a=5752874,or Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA; https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/3595/donations/new?in_honor_of=Chester%20B.%20Penninger%2C%20Jr.& all schools close to his heart.
A celebration of life will be held at Forest Lake Country Club overlooking the 18th green on Thursday, August 8th, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com
Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
