Thomas Benjamin “Skeeter” Fenwick, age 95, of Hope, Arkansas passed peacefully from this life Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Heather Manor Nursing & Rehab Center. He was born July 7, 1924 in Fredonia, Kentucky to Thomas Benjamin and Della Lee Fenwick.
Mr. Fenwick is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Dora Elizabeth Webb and only daughter, Juliana Fenwick Vines; two brothers, Richard “Dick” and Henry Fenwick.
He is survived by one son, John (Sharon) Wilson; six grandchildren, Michael Vines, John David (Angie) Wilson, Steven (Brandy) Vines, Diana Wilson Hovarter, Paul (Allison) Wilson, and Adam (Jennifer) Wilson; fourteen great grandchildren, Kelsi (Jarod), Garrett, Brandyn, Kyle, Paige, Jack D., Jack T., Tucker, Grace, Wynn, Payson, Tatem, Mary Benton, Hollis, and one great-great grandson Marq; special friend, Sue Garrett; and caretaker, Doris Brown.
Mr. Fenwick left school at 17 to join the U.S. Navy, serving from 1942-1945. He studied mechanics at the Naval training school in Columbia, Missouri. He served his country onboard battleships USS Woodnorth, Hunter Ligget and Hansford as a motor machinist mate first class and was a proud WWII Veteran. During his time on the USS Hansford he was cited for superior performance of duty in the maintenance of landing craft during the attack on Iwo Jima and his ship was in the harbor on the day of the signing of the peace treaty to end WWII.
In 1947 he went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where he worked more than 39 years and retired.
Affectionately known by all as Skeeter, he was a jack of all trades and penny pincher who never threw away a thing because it could always be fixed or reused.
Graveside service will be 1:00pm Thursday, March 5, 2020 at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hope with Bro. Daniel Bramlett officiating under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at noon at the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Sign our online guestbook at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Hospice of Texarkana 2407 Galleria Oaks Drive, Texarkana, TX 75503.