Goodbye To One Of The Great Ones – Bill Fennessy
Bill and his brother back in the day!
Long time classic boater and parts and advice supplier to all of us Bill Fennessy has passed away. Those of you that worked with Bill, as we did here at Woody Boater will remember him as one of the good guys. Bill was the owner of Southern Crown Boatworks a fantastic parts dealer.
I recall having a half hour conversation regarding varnish and which thinner to use. He honestly wanted to help and do the right thing. It wasn’t about selling me more or something I did not need. We are still trying to find out more here at Woody Boater about Bills passing. If you know more please comment.
Bill and his bride Jean out on Long Island Sound
One of the first companies I dealt with when I got back into woody boatin. I needed to install rub rail on the Hacker and they guided me thru all the plus and minuses of what to use, and not use. Had it shipped up in a couple of days, great experience.
Bill passed on September 26th in the evening of a brain aneurysm,
Bill and I were friends for 45 years. We first meet at a boat race in Florida, when we were both racing outboards.
Bill had battled bone cancer for about ten years. He was a straight shooter and liked helping people.
He was a good friend and I will miss him.
Pat Curtin
Thanks Pat!
Bill was always helpful to me over the many years. Sad to learn of his passing.
John in Va.
I also “met” Bill on a recommendation when I first got into this hobby. I say “met” because even thought it was a phone call, Bill was the kind of guy you could be instantly friends with, without ever meeting. I knew after our first conversation that I would always choose Bill and SC for all my needs. I remember well calling up Bill, and requesting an order for personnel use, and after placing it, he would say hold on and I’ll get you a price. I would say don’t worry about it, you will do me right. I can say that because many earlier orders he would price, and then call back to check and see if everything arrived, and he would say, ” by the way so-in-so big outfit is discounting your items so I gave you there price, the examples go on and on in my head. We got together serveral times in FL. at Tavares, and in 2010 I made the trip to the Hartwell Ga. show mainly to see him. He showed up,but it was obvious at that time he was halving a bad day, and struggling, but he also knew there were people at that show that wanted to see him. He was unable to have dinner with me that night, but at least we got to meet. In this fast paced world Bill was an exception to the rule. I guess he had the best prospective, of what’s important, and that every day is precious.
To Jeannie, our families love and prayers go out to you, for it takes TWO to make the team that you guy’s were.
Bill you have placed an imprint and a reminder in our hearts, and you will be missed.
Bill was a great guy and always was ready to help you out. he will be missed by all, RIP Bill
Saddened to hear about Bill’s passing, a real shock as he had battled and fought cancer for so many years one would think he was invincible. Although he showing the strain of fighting this over the years Bill’s spirit was incredibly strong. His knowledge of outboards and boats could fill an encyclopedia. It was serendipitous to find out his partner, Jeannie, was from the neighboring high school I went to in Rhode Island and hung out with the “in girls” from my high school and we always had a laugh remembering those days.
With so many companies going to online or call center ordering where you rarely talk to someone or if you did they had no idea what the product usage was, it was refreshing to talk with Bill who knew about and used the products that he sold. So glad he could make the purchase of this company from Alan Brady years ago and with his persistence, grit, and customer service make it work.
Deepest regrets and prayers go to Jeannie and Bill’s family on their loss. He will be missed.
Thanks to Woody Boater for posting this news sad as it is.
When I was nearing the latter end of my 8 year restoration I, by chance, found Southern Crown Boatworks on the internet. In need some odd ball fasteners and other miscellaneous bits and pieces I found Bill who couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. He spent far more time with me than was likely profitable. He did all this while under going treatments for his cancer and still found time to serve his customers. I can’t say enough for how well he treated me. He will be missed.
I met Bill and his wife years ago when looking for stain (and expertise) in
Atlanta. Bill & Jeannie were always wonderful to work with. But more importantly, they always seemed genuinely friendly and happy, even while Bill was in treatment. He will be missed.
Bill was truly one of the “Good” guys. He was always helpful, and always was upbeat even on his not so good days. He was a friend to all, a walking book of knowledge, and he will truly be missed. Rest In Peace my dear friend, and prayers to Jeannie, Bill’s soulmate.
I was shocked to hear about Bills passing today. I rember dealing with Souther Crown back when Allen had the business then dealt a lot with Bill after that. Bill has been a big help for us finding parts and supplies. He will be missed greatly and will think of him often. Our prayers go out to Jean and the family. If there is anything we can do let us know,you have been there for us now were here for you.
Bill and I became good friends 23 years ago. We live about 10 min from each others house. We had a common interest in fixing things and I always enjoyed him coming over or going on a road trip with him. He will be greatly missed. Even though he had some rough times in his 16 year battle with cancer, he always had a great smile and made the best out of every day. So long to a great friend and may God bless and comfort Jeannie. Thanks Bill for everything….Eddie
That picture was made in Oct 2008