Rodney Thomas PennycookAge: 73 • Louisville, KYRodney Thomas Pennycook, 73, of Louisville, KY, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in his sleep, Friday, January 6, 2017.Rod was born on May 3rd, 1943, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was a Marine Corps veteran and proudly served two tours in Vietnam. In 1964 he was honored to be selected to represent his country at the Tokyo Olympics as a member of the United States Judo Team. In 1966 he married the love of his life, Jean Bixby. After having their son David, they lived many happy years in Vermont near Jean's family before they moved to Kentucky.Rod was a lifelong Kentucky Wildcat fan who looked forward to every fall and attended UK football games with his best friend, Gary Brown. He was also an avid golfer enjoying the local courses with great friends Kenny, Wes, Juan, and loving son David.Rod was preceded in death by his parents Hazel and Kenneth Pennycook; beloved wife, Jean Pennycook; and nephew, Geoff Forsey. He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his son David; daughter-in-law Patty, dear granddaughter Carly; brother and sister-in-law, George and Phyllis Forsey; nieces Michelle McMahon and Jennifer McGuinness, nephew Michael Forsey; and friend and companion Barbara Bridwell. Rod was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a great friend to all who knew him.Visitation and a memorial celebration of Rod's life will be held Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243).Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.