Buster Eugene Penick's Obituary
Buster Eugene Penick, “90 years young,” was lovingly known to many as Red, Gene, Dad, and Papa. He was born on September 27, 1935, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Walter H. and Alvie Marie Penick.
As a teenager, Buster met the love of his life, Peggy Joyce Fisher, and their story began. While courting Peggy, he would sing to her while playing the mandolin or banjo—especially his favorite, “Five Foot Two, Eyes Are Blue,” a song he continued to sing throughout their life together. Their love grew into a nearly 60-year marriage, filled with devotion, laughter, and family. Together they raised four children and were blessed with nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Peggy preceded him in death on June 11, 2012.
During his early years, Buster attended Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville, where he excelled in art and won numerous awards and prize money in competitions. Although he was encouraged to pursue art professionally, he chose to work as a butcher and breadman—positions that offered a higher income—so he could provide for his young family. This decision reflected his deep love and sacrifice for those he cherished.
Over the years, Buster built a strong work ethic across many roles, including paperboy, butcher, breadman, milkman, Air National Guard fireman, supervisor, and entrepreneur. He later worked as a Jersey Farm milkman and a Martha White supervisor. He was widely known for Better Burger on Dickerson Road in Nashville, which he owned and operated with his mother for over 30 years, personally painting all of the restaurant’s signage. In the years that followed, he continued painting advertisements for local businesses, friends, and the Shriners Provost Guard, where he faithfully served for 50 years and was recently honored as a Lifetime Member.
Throughout the years, one of Buster’s greatest joys was time spent with his family at their camp on Center Hill Lake in Smithville. With his children—and later his grandchildren—he made countless memories filled with laughter and togetherness. Days were spent swimming, water skiing, fishing, hunting, and playing games, while evenings were spent around campfires. Family traditions included attending the Fiddler’s Jamboree and taking trips “uptown” for ice cream at Dairy Queen, often with a truck full of children piled in the back—memories that remain treasured by all.
In retirement, Buster enjoyed woodworking, crafting bird and butterfly houses, helicopters, old-fashioned cars, furniture, and many other unique pieces. He also loved watching and attending sporting events, especially football and NASCAR races, and spent time fishing—often catching enough for fish fries at Holiday Heights Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member.
Buster passed away peacefully on the morning of May 9, 2026, at NHC Place Sumner in Gallatin, one week after suffering a stroke, with his loving daughters by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael, who passed away at the age of eight from Wilms tumor; and his granddaughter, Sofia Lynn Bara.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Omohundro of Gallatin, TN; his brothers, James Richard Penick of Claremore, OK, and Gary Wayne Penick (Donna) of Portland, TN; his daughters, Vickie Lynn Bara (John) and Sharon Elizabeth Tochtrop (Jim); and his son, Edward Wayne Penick (Gayla).
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2pm from the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home with interment to immediately follow. Buster’s grandson, Chad Penick, youth pastor at Oak Grove General Baptist Church in Adolphus, Kentucky, will officiate the service. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons Brad Penick, Alan Catlett, Michael Bara, and Joshua Catlett, along with great-grandsons Hunter Penick, Carter Penick, Samuel Catlett, and Zachariah Catlett. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 13th from 12pm until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.
https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/
Arrangements are entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216. https://www.springhillfh.com. 615-865-1101.
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