Willie Thomas Fennell, affectionately known as “Uncle Thomas, Willie T, Thomas, or Big T” departed this earth and returned to Heaven on April 7, 2015. He was born on March 20, 1924 in Rose Hill, NC; son of the late Reverend Diamond Council Fennell and Mary Jane (Simmons) Fennell. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Thelma Christine (Lee) Fennell and daughter and son-in-law Joanne (Fennell) and Windsor M. Nared. Willie Thomas was the seventh of eight children, all which preceded him in death: Wilbert, Thelma, Vera, Theodore, James “Glenn”, Mary Lane, and Henry “Pretty”.
He is survived by his daughter, Cara Joy Fennell (James Howard Jr.) of Dallas, TX; Grandsons, Lance F. Nared and Windsor M. Nared II of Windsor, CT and James Howard III of Dallas, TX; Granddaughter, Keva K. Griggs (Marcus) of Windsor, CT; Great grandchildren, Courtney Nared, Thomas, Troy, Trey and Terrence Griggs; Great-Great Granddaughter Andrea Michelle Costa; Brothers-in-law, Harry Lee Jr. and William Frederick Lee; Sisters-in-law, Kathleen Lee, Lucille Lee and Florence Fennell and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

As a child, Willie Thomas attended the Rose Hill Colored School System. He started his career early. As a teenager he began working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which was a Franklin Roosevelt New Deal Program. It gave young men on the job training doing things such as building roads and digging ditches. Willie Thomas held many jobs throughout his lifetime. He was a jack of all trades. He was a carpenter, a taxi driver, and a truck driver. He retired from the New York City’s Board of Education as a School Safety Officer in the late 1980’s. Most notably, he was an entrepreneur. He had a club and owned property in Queens. His grocery stores in Jamaica, NY gave him a well-known reputation of giving many teens a job and providing high quality grocery items for over 20 years.

Willie Thomas loved the Lord! Growing up as a Preacher’s son gave him a solid foundation in the Church. After settling in Springfield Gardens, NY with his young family, he joined Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, NY under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Walter S. Pinn. Years later, he became a member of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend James C. Kelly. He served faithfully in various capacities of the church including the Usher Board, the Trustee Board, The Deacon Board and the Brotherhood.

Willie Fennell was a proud member of Lebanon Lodge No. 54, located in Jamaica, NY, Free and Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on May 12, 1977. He was very active in all lodge activities and events and was truly an asset to the lodge and the Brothers around him.

Willie Thomas was an incredible father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a supporter of education and hard work and instilled those values in his children and grandchildren. He also taught them to love the Lord and to serve diligently. Willie Thomas was a kind man that loved his family and was very giving. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had a knack for telling colorful tall tales that kept everyone laughing. He was an amazing cook, and he loved his cars. He also loved music and dancing and enjoyed both during his last days. His quick wit will be greatly missed.

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