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FITZHUGH FENNELL Obituary
Fitzhugh "Toddy" Fennell, Jr., went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born in Wilmington on May 28, 1929, Toddy was predeceased by his parents, Fitzhugh "Jake" Fennell, Sr. and Pauline Hall Fennell.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Jennings Fennell; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Miriam Fennell and their children, Olivia and Nicholas, all of Wilmington; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Wanda Fennell and their daughters, Dara and Charlotte all of Fredericksburg, VA; a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Faye Fennell of Jacksonville, FL; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clarence and Anne Jennings of Tampa, FL; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and a host of friends.
Toddy graduated from New Hanover High School. He received a basketball scholarship to East Carolina Teacher's College (now East Carolina University) where he met Dorothy. He received a B.S. in physical education and social studies, graduating in 1952 and later completed a master's degree in education at East Carolina.
Following his marriage to Dorothy in June 1952, Toddy enlisted in the US Army, serving for two years before returning to NC.
He served as an educator for many years, teaching and coaching in public school systems before moving to administration at Cape Fear Technical Institute (now Cape Fear Community College). In 1968 Toddy coached the New Hanover High School basketball team to a State 4-A Championship and was named the NC 4-A Coach of the Year.
A lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church, Toddy served there in numerous capacities including deacon and Sunday School teacher. Following his retirement from Cape Fear Technical Institute, Toddy served his Lord as pastor of Gospel Center Church in Varnumtown and as interim pastor of numerous other churches.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 25, 2012, at Andrews Mortuary Market Chapel.
A celebration of the life of Toddy Fennell will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 26, 2012, at Calvary Baptist Church 423 North 23rd Street, Wilmington, with Dr. Donnie Lovette officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for FITZHUGH FENNELL
Morry & Linda Watkins
December 5, 2012
Dear Dot, Todd and Steve:
Linda and I have been out of town and learned when we returned of Toddy's passing. He was such a kind and wise man. I loved being in his Sunday School at Calvary. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Morry and Linda Watkins
Gail Williams
December 1, 2012
Dorothy and family,
I found out about Toddy's passing today and wanted to offer my condolences. He was such a special person and impacted so many lives in so many ways. I have such fond memories of you and him at Calvary. Now, he enjoys time in Jesus' presence waiting for the rest of us.
Helen Williams
November 27, 2012
Todd,I never met your dad, but know the pain of losing your father. My thoughts are with you and your family.
November 27, 2012
Todd and Family, my prayers are with you and our thoughts extend to you as you remember Mr. Fennell. God Bless Mack Thorpe NHHS Class of 1972.
Pastor Dodd Mays
November 25, 2012
Toddy impacted so many lives. He preached at our church (Freedom Baptist), many times through the years when we were without a pastor. He always did a wonderful job and was more than willing to help us out. We pray that God will use this time in your lives to draw you closer to one another as a family and closer to Himself.
"Turk" Edwards
November 25, 2012
"TODDY" was a fine christian man and a real friend. We used to play baseball and golf together. I will pray for you, Dot, and the entire family. God Bless.
Billy and Debbie Batten
November 25, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of Toddy's passing. He was such a good and kind person. We know he is with his heavenly Father above with out a doubt. He has left us with many memories. We will continue to pray for you Ms. Dot and the family that you will find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Carmalyn Miller
November 25, 2012
Dot, so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray the God of all comfort will be your Peace and Sustainer during the coming days. God bless you. You are in my prayers.
Betty Pate Caldwell
November 25, 2012
So sorry to read of Toddy's death. I am assured he is with his Lord and his family in heaven. I have such great memories of the Fennell family at Calvary. You are in my prayers. Betty Pate Caldwell
Cecile Barnhill-Crouch
November 24, 2012
I am saddened about Toddy's death. He was an outstanding leader and Sunday School Teacher, leaving with me fond memories of worshiping with him and Dot at Calvary. My sincere sympathy to the entire family.
Peggy Hall
November 24, 2012
I am so very sad to read of Toddys' death. Many years have passed since we were neighbors in Rose Hill, but I think of you fondly still. A life well lived!
November 24, 2012
Dot, We hope all the wonderful memories of Toddy will help you through this sad time. We all had great times at East Carolina.
Ellis and Jerry Stevenson
Terry and James Cavet
November 24, 2012
Steve, James and I were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He certainly must have been a very special father to have such a loving, caring son as you and your family Wanda, Dara and Charlotte. You are in our prayers.
Clifton "Doc" Brown
November 24, 2012
To the "Coach Todd Fennell family"--So sorry to learn of his passing. What great memories I recall from his PE class and mentoring on the athletic fields of NHHS during the early to mid 1960's. He will be greatly missed.Class of 1964..Clifton "Doc" Brown
Sidney Andrews
November 24, 2012
To the Family of Fitzhugh Fennell,
Mr. Fennell was my history teacher at NHHS. He was an outstanding teacher with innovative teaching techniques. I remember with fondness the time when he was visiting Steve in Fredericksburg, VA. My wife and I took him and Dot to dinner. We had a delightful evening talking about NHHS and Wilmington. Mt thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 24, 2012
In 1962 and 63 Toddy was my basketball coach and cared enough about me as a person to Tudor me in High School Math. Toddy was a great basketball coach but even a greater coach in Life. He encouraged me to develop my Art Career and want more in life than just sports. We will all miss our coach. Ronald Williams class of 1965 Wildcats.
Jeryl & Betty Rowe
November 24, 2012
Dot and family, so sorry about the passing of "Toddy".....Such a man of God, and he will be greatly missed. Prayers for you & your family..
Michael Beale
November 23, 2012
I was saddened to learn of Coach Fennell's death this afternoon. My life was truly blessed by him and Coach Brogden.
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