AREA OBITUARIES – Bill Fenwick

It is with much love and profound sadness that the family of Charles William (Bill) Fenwick mourn his passing on November 24, 2025. He departed this world with his cherished wife, Jean, by his side just as she has been for the past 72 years. Celebrating at wedding receptions, they were last on the dance floor for the “the Anniversary Dance” claiming the prize for longest married couple for many years; the Fenwick’s were looking forward to celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary on November 29, 2025.

94 years old, he began his long and fulfilling journey of life on March 17, 1931 when he was born to Nettie Fenwick Hicks and Charles William Fenwick in Paducah, KY. A real charmer never at a loss for words it seemed only fitting that his birthday fell on St. Patrick’s Day. He laughed often and easily and with great gusto. Making and maintaining friends was a priority and he was never too busy to support friends in good times and bad. He was bigger than life and any gathering was more fun with Bill Fenwick holding court.

Bill attended St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO and Murray State University where he majored in economics.

He will be lovingly remembered and missed terribly by his children, Dr. Michael Fenwick, Columbia, TN; his daughter, Ann Bilbrey, (Joe), Memphis, TN and Charles Patrick Fenwick, (Susie) Water Valley, KY.

Daddy Bill as he was known to grandchildren and great grandchildren will be fondly remembered for fun-filled holiday events, annual lake trips, attendance at every significant event, and spending quality time on the farm with each of them.

Leaving as his legacy are grandchildren, Beth Simkanin, (David), Germantown, TN; Courtney Goodman, (Alex), Columbia, TN; Bret Bilbrey, Memphis, TN;

Ryan Fenwick, Louisville, KY; James Fenwick, (Jennifer),Salida, CO; and Elise Fenwick-Sanders, (Elijah), Cincinnati, OH.

Great grandchildren blessed with his presence and great love and pride are, Brandon Simkanin, (Germantown, TN); Will, Clayton, and Lillian Goodman, Columbia, TN, and Cecilia and Atticus Fenwick-Sanders, Cincinnati, OH.

Also left with fond memories of good times and endless support are in-laws and nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Nettie Fenwick Hicks, his father, Charles William Fenwick, his stepfather, Harry Hicks, in-laws, Bill and Blondell Holland, daughter -in-law, Deborah Fenwick and infant son, Charles William Fenwick, III.

A resident of this area since 1950, He worked on the Illinois Central Railroad as an engineer. He served his country proudly durning the Korean War in the US Army as a Sergeant in the Railroad Battalion. Until his death, Bill remained an active member of the American Legion, Post 72.

Bill was the Tennessee State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus. While serving he established a foundation which provided transportation and housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Under his leadership in a voluntary capacity, eight Tennessee group homes were built and managed through the foundation. As an offshoot of the transportation system established through the Knights of Columbus, Bill established the Fulton Transit Authority and served as its first director.

Providing hours of summer fun for Twin City youngsters, he volunteered countless time from 1969 through 2002 to managing the Willow Plunge Swimming pool. Mr, Bill was a summer staple holding together an aging facility with bubble gum, bailing wire, and duct tape so kids could enjoy fun in the sun in the cool, refreshing well-fed waters of the Willow Plunge.

A longtime member and oldest parishioner of St Edward Catholic Church in Fulton he served many terms on the Parish Council and the Finance Council. Serving on the Building Committee, he was instrumental in the the upgrade of the original church building and construction of the church social hall.

Visitation will be held at Hornbeak Funeral Home, Fulton, KY on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:15 PM. The Mass of Resurrection will be held St. Edward Catholic Church in Fulton at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in St. Jerome Cemetery, Fancy Farm, KY

Memorials may be made to KennTenn EMS or St. Edward Catholic Church.