
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 31, 1990                   TAG: 9005310300
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

KNITTING EXECUTIVE ROBERT PANNILL DIES IN MARTINSVILLE

Robert Samuel Pannill, retired vice president of sales and member of the board of directors for Pannill Knitting, died Tuesday in a Martinsville hospital. He was 80.

Pannill, who worked for the Martinsville fleeced-apparel manufacturer for more than 52 years, started in the cutting room of the plant in 1933. He retired from the company in 1975.

He was a major in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

Pannill is credited with helping to market sweat shirts to discount department stores nationwide.

When Pannill first became involved in the industry, sweat shirts were purchased because they were inexpensive, warm clothing. Now, screen-printed sweat shirts sell for as much as $30.

Pannill also is survived by a son, Steve Pannill, and a daughter, Margaret Pannill Allen of Greensboro, N.C.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery.

by CNB