The message on Abraham’s voicemail said “I can be a hard man to catch, but when you catch me…you’ve got a good one!” That simple phrase speaks volumes about his life because he was a man constantly on the go, a man constantly working and constructing…not just building structures on people’s home but he was also building bridges to help better connect people’s lives. This can be attributed to how he was raised. He believed in hard work, dedication and fairness. It was a credo in his life!
Just before midnight at 11:45pm on Monday February 12, 1951, Abraham Fennell was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina. He would be the 7th of 11 children born to the late James Arthur and Sarah Fennell. His mother noted in her personal family diary that she named him Abraham from the Bible and she wrote “I pray that God will use him”. She also noted that even as a little boy, Abe was “very wise”. Abraham would carry that wisdom with him throughout his adult life. He was a thinker who could see a problem, address it and find a solution. He was a leader who people respected and gladly followed. Educated in the public schools of Marlboro County, Abraham was a graduate of Wright High School and South Carolina State College. Upon graduation from college, he became an educator, trying to help shape the lives of his students and give them direction. He married Sue Leath and had two sons, Abraham Julian and James Bradford. He remained especially proud of his sons until his passing.
TIRELESS WORKER
Abraham had a gift for building. After learning much about the contracting industry from his older brother Johnny, he would eventually branch out on his own. Abraham moved to New York where he started his own contracting and building company. His friends nicknamed him “A-B”. He took pride in his work and would often go above and beyond to satisfy his clients. This often meant spending extremely long hours to make sure that every job was done right. Many times he would take on what’s known as pro-bono work, meaning he would basically work at no charge for people who needed his help and expertise but could not afford to pay. He leaves behind a legacy of buildings and impressive work in multiple towns and cities throughout the South and in New York. Whenever Abe wasn’t working, you could find him standing over a pot or behind a grill. He was a master cook and enjoyed preparing meats and meals for his family and close friends. People came from miles around if they knew Abe was cooking. This was a trait that he shared with his late father as well as his older brother Charleton and younger brother Dennis.
DEVOTED FAMILY MAN
Throughout his life, Abe never wavered from his family. He believed deeply in family togetherness and unity. He was a leader in the family. He was generous and supportive for those who needed him and he seldom complained. Most of all, he was respected and trusted. He loved people and they loved him back.
Sunset
On October 19th, Abraham went home to his reward in glory bringing an earthly end to his life of service. There are many who mourn his loss and cherish his fond and loving memories: His two sons: Julian Fennell of Charlotte, North Carolina and Brad Fennell of Norcross, Georgia; His devoted and loyal companion Gwen Robertson of Brooklyn, New York. 10 Brothers and Sisters: Mamie Morgan (William) of Corona, New York; Johnny Fennel of Columbia, South Carolina; Buddy Page of Bristol, Pennsylvania; James Fennel of Brooklyn, New York; Mary Cameron (Jeffrey) of Farmingdale, New York; Charleton Fennell (Ann) of Rochester, New York; Tommy Fennell (Ann) of Bennettsville, South Carolina; Jeffrey Fennell of Columbia, South Carolina; Dennis Fennell (Mary) of Bennettsville, South Carolina; Arthur Fennell (Stephanie) of Voorhees, New Jersey; 2 Pre-Deceased Brothers: Reverend Jeremiah Fennell (Pastor Audrey Fennell of Tobyhanny, Pennsylvania); Nathaniel Fennell; 2 Aunts: Lottie Johnson of Clio, South Carolina; Bertha Frederick of Florence, South Carolina. 1 Granddaughter: Chaunte “Wiggles” Fennell of Charlotte, North Carolina; 1 God Daughter: Karen Maples of Brooklyn, New York; 3 God-Granddaughter’s: Tyneshia Harrell, Latrice McFarland and LaToya Rivers all of Brooklyn, New York. He also leaves to cherish his memories more than 30 nieces and nephews; As well as scores of other cousins, family members and friends.
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