James Eric “Big Rick” Fennell (Pop-Pop), 66, of Jasper, Fla., passed away at his home on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, surrounded by his family. Fennell was born in Suwannee County on March 6, 1955, to the late Jimmy Dewitt Fennell and Dorothy Davis Fennell. He was a master-builder, having worked on many projects in the tri-county area over the years. To that résumé he later added a long stent with Fennell Inc. Lawn Care Business. In September 1984, he married the lady that would be his bride, Charlotte, for the next 37 plus years. Fennell’s passion in life was working and he had an incredible work ethic, which he passed on to his children. On the occasion when he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and karaoke. Fennell was also a talented musician and could pick up most any instrument with strings on it and play it. He enjoyed the moments he had family time with his children and grandchildren and was not only Pop-Pop to them, but to the entire family. Fennell was preceded in death by a grandson, W.C. Roberson. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Fennell; his two sons, James Eric “Little Rick” Fennell (Belinda) of Lake Park, Ga. and John T. “Travis” Fennell (Cindy), Valdosta, Ga.; his two daughters, Lynn Stewart (Scott) and Nicole Hunter (Frankie), all of Jasper; his brother, Terry Fennell (Judi), also of Jasper; his sister, Cindy Mode (Gary) of Lake Park; 11 grandchildren, Whoe Roberson, Robbielyn Roberson, Rebecca Smith, Malyn Hunter, Wyatt Hunter, Tyler Fennell, Jonathan Parr, Will Fennell, Dalton Fennell, Alexis Fennell, Waylyn Fennell and one on the way; six great-grandchildren, Logan Roberson, Rob Clark Roberson, Skyla Smith, Josie Smith, Rayne Fennell, Ansyn Fennell and two great-grandchildren on the way. Funeral services were held at on Monday, Feb. 21, in the chapel of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper with Bro. Pat Chewning officiating. Interment followed at Law Cemetery. Harry T. Reid Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
