Jackson Welch Penturff, Jr, “Pepper”, 64 a longtime resident of Florida, passed away peacefully at his home in Leesburg, Fl on September 2, 2022.
Pepper was born on September 18, 1957, in West Virginia to parents Jack and Janet Penturff. The family moved to Florida in 1963. Pepper graduated from Leesburg High School in 1975. He then attended Lake Sumter Community College and was a graduate of University of Central Florida. He loved the Lord, family, friends, animals and enjoyed traveling. One of his greatest loves, though, was music. He received his first drum set at the age of five and was hooked. He went on to play in many bands and would eventually open Leesburg Music. He never missed as opportunity to play a gig, even if it meant his only payment, was a free meal! He explored many avenues and opportunities when it came to his professional life.
In the 1980’s, he worked for the communications company ATC. That job would eventually lead to a relocation to Texas for a short time. Upon his return to Florida in the late 90’s, he opened and operated Pepper’s Cellular in Leesburg. He was also a bouncer at several local bars and restaurants. He enjoyed playing the drums in the band at the Fathers House for many years. In 2006, he accepted the role as his father’s caretaker, and began exploring options to work from home. He became interested in real estate and began buying and flipping houses. He dedicated those latter years working from home and caring for his father before his passing in 2019. Pepper was eternally optimistic and always saw the good side of things. He never met a stranger and would do anything for anyone. He was loved by everyone that knew him and will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his sister, Julie and husband Jay Gelb of Leesburg, nephew Jason Smith, Leesburg and nieces Jacquelyn Smith, her fiancé David Pruitt of Leesburg and Erin Brumbaugh and her husband Jimmy, Astatula, Fl Great niece and nephew, Jasmine McClain and Bradley Brumbaugh. Uncle Robert Penturff, of Melbourne, Fl, and several cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Jack, Sr and mother Janet Bourne. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am on October 8th at The Fathers House, 2301 South St. Leesburg, Fl. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Lake County.
