Bob Penny, Bumbling Lawyer in ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ Dies at 87

Dr. Robert “Bob” Lynn Penny, who appeared in films such as “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Forrest Gump,” died on Dec. 25 of unknown causes. He was 87.

Huntsville, Alabama: The actor and professor of college was killed in a car accident. according to An obituary by Laughlin Funeral Homes and Crematory.

Penny played small, but memorable roles in many high-profile films over his 25-year career. Early on, he played Curtis Foy in 1988’s “Mississippi Burning,” headlined by Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. He appeared in back-to-back hits as a bailiff in “Fried Green Tomatoes” and as Juror #2 in “My Cousin Vinny,” followed by “Forrest Gump” a few years later. He’s best known for playing bumbling lawyer Wallace Buford in the 2002 romantic comedy “Sweet Home Alabama.”

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Penny’s final role was Harold in “Still The King,” a 2016 comedy series starring Billy Ray Cyrus.

Penny’s academic career was long and successful. Born June 29, 1935 in Anniston, Alabama, the poet and professor received his undergraduated degree from Wofford College in South Carolina and New York’s Columbia University. M.A. awarded him a Masters of English. He earned his Masters in English from M.A. at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and his Ph.D. at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa.

Penny received the Ellen Gregg Ingalls Award of Excellence in Classroom Teaching six times during his 21-year tenure as a University of Alabama teacher of Poetry and Prose. He was awarded the award in 1974. Penny has been nominated for the Ellen Gregg Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching. He also won awards for his TV and film acting. Penny played more than 40 leading and character roles in dramatic productions.

Penny is survived among others by William Earl Penny (Betty), and Jean Marion Yount.

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