, 88, passed away Dec. 17, 2013, at ECM Hospital in Florence. He was born in Jackson, Tenn., on Aug. 30, 1925, to James Ephraim and Lyda Scott Fesmire. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie Gene Boland; two brothers; one sister; and one grandson.
He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Rebecca G. Fesmire; his children, Bonnie Fesmire (Ron Clark), of Apopka, Fla., Sarah Walls (Bill), of Martinez, Ga., William Fesmire Jr. (Tammy), of Castro Valley, Calif., Janet Latham (Tommy), of Northport, Ala., and James Fesmire (Debra), of Titusville, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; one stepgrandson; ten great-grandchildren; and stepdaughters, Rebecca Claire Glasscock, of Lexington, Ky., and Barnie Howell, of Charleston, S.C.
Mr. Fesmire graduated from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, and received his master’s in English from Mississippi State University in Starkville. He retired from Tuscaloosa County School system after 18 years as a band director in Northport. Music was always a vital part of his life. He directed or participated in many musical groups, including church choirs, Tuscaloosa Community Singers, and the Shoals Concert Band.
After moving to Cloverdale, he enjoyed volunteering at ECM Hospital, Fairgrounds, Cloverdale Community Center, RSVP, and First Baptist Church of Florence. He also enjoyed gardening, and he had a deep love for nature, animals, children, and all God’s creation. He loved the Lord with all his heart.
A time of visitation will be today beginning at 1 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home. The service to remember his life will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Kevin Johnson and family members will conduct the service. Burial will be Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Northport, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church, Florence, or to a favorite charity .
