William Edward Chenault

William Edward Chenault returned safely home to the arms of his creator on October 22, 2025,

after a brief illness. "Little William", as he was affectionately known, was the beloved and

cherished son of the late Nannie Carol Samuels and James William Chenault. As an adult, he

professed his faith in and hope for Jesus Christ and was baptized at Jimtown Baptist Church

under the pastorate of Rev. Michael Wilson.

Little William was educated in the Fayette County school system. He was employed at Wenneker

Shoes in downtown Lexington, earning the distinction of being one of the city's first African

American shoe salesmen. He was also formerly employed at Good Samaritan Hospital and as a

transport aide for the Shriners' Hospital. After working at Shriner's, he was hired by LFUCG as

a custodian at the Black & Williams Center. Upon his retirement, he found great joy in

participating in the Foster Grandparent program. He participated in the program until COVID-19

put it on hiatus.

Never one to meet a stranger, Little William was a staple in the Brucetown community and a

self-declared ambassador and mayor of Smithtown. He could be found many afternoons and

evenings playing horseshoes at the corner of 5th and; Jefferson streets. Additionally, he worked

many nights at the Swahili Elks Lodge located on North Broadway. He, along with his buddies

Nelson Reed, Levi Canada, Luke Moore, and Charles Wright, along with others, became

founding members of the Sons of Lexington social club.

Family was the most important facet of his life. His death leaves a hole in the hearts of his

children and grandchildren that will never be replaced. His memory lives on in the lives of his

four daughters Carrol Wilson (Decatur, GA), Angela Chenault-Richardson (Bruce), Monica

Chenault, and Hattie Williams. His love lives on in the lives of his grandchildren Carlton

Chenault, Mark Gay-Chenault (Maria), Brittani Wilson (Decatur, GA), Brandon Chenault,

Joshua Chenault, Ashley Lewis, Ashley Ezeson (Chinomso), John Jones, William A. Chenault,

Marie Williams, Leiha White, Elijah Chenault (Atlanta, GA), and Averianna Brown. A host of

great-grandchildren will continue to carry on his legacy. His ex-wife, Janice Arthur Chenault,

also survives him.

He was preceded in death by several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a special sister-cousin, Mary

Elizabeth Carter, and a special friend, Ms. Pauline Wright.