Mr. William Perry Fennell, of 128 Old Warsaw Road, Kenansville, NC transitioned on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at Duke Hospice at the Meadowlands, Hillsborough, NC following a lengthy illness. He was born on November 13, 1933 in Rose Hill, NC to Joseph and Eula Mae Lee Fennell. He was a faithful member of Rose Hill First Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Trustee of the church, Sunday School teacher, Advisor for the Young Adult Outreach Ministry, President of The Brotherhood Club, Chairman of the Educational Auxiliary, Benevolence Treasure, building committee member, and Church Treasurer for over sixteen years. He was educated in Duplin County Schools, where he graduated from Charity High School. He honorably served in the United States Army for two years. He matriculated to North Carolina A&T State College in 1955 and received a Baccalaureate degree in 1959 and became employed with the Duplin County School System. He later received a Master's Degree from North Carolina A & T State University.

William was dedicated to his family as well as the community. He served faithfully in the following organizations: Life member of Duplin County Progressive Leadership Organization (DUCOPLO), Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors member, Mason of Beulah Lodge No. 110, member of American Legion Post No. 329, Past Potentate of Mizpah Shrine Temple No. 66, Eastern Region Transportation Planning Organization, Duplin County Airport Board, Duplin County Economic Development Commission, Duplin County Hall of Fame Board of Directors member, Duplin General Hospital Board of Directors member and served as Treasurer for numerous years, life member of ZABMO Club, Neuse River Counsel of Government member, Global Transportation Park Board, Fire and Rescue Squad for the Town of Kenansville, Kenansville Town Commissioner, Mayor Pro-Tempore of Kenansville, Vocational Education Teacher for Duplin County School System, and former employee of Duplin County Transportation Department.

William was joined in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Edith Judge Fennell in 1960, who preceded him in death. To this union two daughters were born.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his wife and parents, were two brothers; Joseph L. Fennell and Jimmy L. Fennell; and a sister, Dorothy O. Fennell.

Cherishing loving memories, two daughters; Lita Fennell Russell (Cedric), Thevesa Fennell McNeill (Glenn); four grandsons; Cedric L. Russell, II, Chamberlain W. Russell, Carledward C. Russell, and J. Logan McNeill; four granddaughters; Morgan D. McNeill, McKenzie L. McNeill, Cedra M. Russell and Chloe J. Russell; four brothers; Percy J. Fennell, Thurman J. Fennell, Thomas W. Fennell, and Willie R. Fennell (Hattie); four sisters; Roslind A. Spencer (Berry); Lynetta Huffman (Sammie), and Stephanie F. Bennerman; four sisters-in-law; Peggy Fennell, Elizabeth J. White, Alma J. Sharpless, Rebecca H. Judge, two brothers-in-law; James White, Alfred Sharpless and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral service will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road, Rose Hill, NC. Interment will follow at the Fennell Family Plot. The family visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, January 2, 2009 at Rose Hill Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rose Hill First Baptist Church, 352 West Church Street, Rose Hill, NC 28458 and/or Hospice at the Meadowlands, 1001 Corporate Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278 in the name of William Perry Fennell.