Daniel (Dee) Allen Penick, Jr., 78, of Lexington, Virginia, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Lexington, Virginia, on November 13, 1932, a son of the late Daniel Allen Penick and Mary Crevensten Penick.

At a very young age, Dee became an accomplished golfer. He played in the Virginia State Amateur Golf Tournament in Hot Springs, VA and advanced to a high level of match play on several occasions. His love of golf continued throughout his life.

Dee graduated in 1950 from Lexington High School, where he played football and basketball for the legendary coach Pete Brewbaker. He attended Hampden-Sydney College, and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1960 with a B.S. in Geology.

Dee also served in the Navy for four years where he was stationed in Italy. For several summers, Dee worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana, and The National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park doing fire control. As a geologist, Dee worked in Richmond, VA, in Nevada, and for the State of Virginia.

Over the years, he amassed an extensive collection of rocks and minerals. He was recognized for his expertise in this area, and was often consulted as an authority in his field.

Dee is survived by his wife, Karen Dean Penick; his son, Daniel Allen Penick, III and his brother, Paul M. Penick, II and wife, Dandridge T. Penick. Also surviving are a nephew, Paul M. Penick, III and a niece, Nancy Penick Riffe.

A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2011 at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery with the Dr. William Klein officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.