Obituary: Richard Glenn Penuel
Richard Glenn Penuel, 78, was welcomed into his Savior’s embrace on Monday, April 27, 2026. Glenn was born in Wayne County on October 20, 1947, to the late Edgar and Mildred Howell Penuel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings.
Glenn began his career in the newspaper industry with The News Argus before purchasing The La Grange Weekly Gazette in 1972. Through news, stories, opinions, and humor, he kept his readers engaged as his paper became a weekly highlight and a beloved treasure for many in La Grange and the surrounding communities for more than fifty years. Known for always having a camera in hand, Glenn could be seen throughout town documenting local happenings and ensuring residents stayed informed. He continued as owner, editor, and publisher of The Weekly Gazette until September 2023, when declining health made it difficult for him to continue.
An avid Tar Heels fan, Glenn enjoyed cheering for his team just as much as he enjoyed critiquing their rivals. He was never a fair-weather fan; he was a Tar Heel through and through. Glenn also loved golf and spent many hours on the course at Walnut Creek before later joining friends at Falling Creek where he cherished both the game and the camaraderie.
While Glenn could be serious when needed, he was happiest when sharing a laugh. Whether telling a good story or playing a practical joke, he found great joy in humor and loved making others laugh, even at his own expense.
A faithful member of La Grange Christian Church, Glenn served as both a deacon and an elder. He was dedicated to the life of the church and willingly served wherever he was needed. Most notably, he documented countless church events through photography, leaving behind cherished memories for many.
As a father, and later as “Granddaddy” and “Papa”, Glenn found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. Whether playing Barbie with the girls or wrestling on the floor with the boys, he treasured every moment. In later years, when he could no longer play on the floor, the arms of his chair became special seats for the little ones. From raising his own children to helping care for the grandchildren, he was always happy to pick up the children from school, often bringing them back to the office as 107.9 played on the radio while he worked.
Glenn’s favorite place to be was anywhere with Janet. She was the love of his life, and he never wanted to be apart from her. True to their vows, Janet stood by Glenn through every season. Through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, her love and devotion never wavered. Whether at church or at home, on vacation or out around town, the two were best suited when hand-in-hand.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at La Grange Christian Church at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, with Tori Osgood and Ray Burke officiating. Committal will follow at Flatfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Rouse Funeral Home.
Glenn is survived by his wife of nearly thirty-eight years, Janet Herring Penuel; children, Stephen Stroud; Jennifer Blizzard and husband Jereme; Amy James and husband Cliff; Amanda Mooring and husband Trey; and Kristen Genovese and husband Steven; grandchildren, Grayson Hamilton and husband Chase, Emily Stroud, Jackson Blizzard, Mallie Blizzard, Nicole Harrison and husband Seth, Hunter Smith, Sumer Smith, Anna Smith, Jarrett Mooring, Kenley Mooring, Harper Genovese, Truitt Genovese, and Crew Genovese; and great-grandchildren, Kaylin Jarman and Sadie Harrison.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to La Grange Christian Church, PO Box 442, La Grange, NC 28551. Glenn’s deep gratitude for his second chance at life through kidney donation remained close to his heart. In his memory, the family also encourages contributions to Donate Life (www.donatelife.net) or registering as an organ donor. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
