Willie (BO) Fannin

Willie Fannin was born on August 7, 1945, to the late Gady Sr. and Florence PO Montgomery, AL.

He was baptized at an early age at Abraham Vineyard Church of Christ. At the young of 19, he joined the United States Army. He was called to serve his country during Vietnam War and served under the leadership and command of the late Lieutenant General Harold Moore. After returning home from the Vietnam War, he married the love of his life+ the late Rosemary Croskey-Fannin.

Bo as he was affectionately called; favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, listening to his country music, and enjoying western movies. He enjoyed being able to take some of the grandkids on fishing trips with him. He was a master at cooking and grilling and well known for his delicious and spicy barbecue sauce. He also had a love for playing baseball for the Twins. He had joy in taking his family to his baseball games on the weekends and taking his family to watch movies at the drive-in theaters. One of his most memorable moments was when the movie "We Were Soldiers" was released. The movie was based on the true story of the 1965 Battle of LaDrang in Vietnam during the time he served. He was also recognized in Auburn, AL by Mel Gibson for his heroism during the Vietnam War under the leadership of the late Lieutenant General Harold Moore. He was a jack of all trades, but his main passion was being a brick mason. He also was a truck and school bus driver and a security guard for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Rosemary C. Fannin; one granddaughter, Ja'Kyria Fannin; four brothers, Gady Jr, Dimitri, Lorenzo Sr. and Keith Fannin; mother and father-in-law, Melvin Sr. and Millie Croskey; one brother in law, Melvin Croskey Jr.; one sister-in-law, Edna "Luverne" Gilbert.

He leaves to cherish his joyful memories: eight daughters; a devoted caregiver/daughter, Shawana Wilson (Clement Williams) of Montgomery, AL; Alela (Gary) Singleton of Clarksville, TN; Natasha (Richard) Sanders; Cassandra Fannin, Marie Fannin; Jessica Fannin; Tiffanie Fannin; Crystal Fannin, all of Montgomery, AL; one devoted grandson, Zykeese Christian, of Montgomery, AL; fifteen grandchildren; two adopted grandsons, Joshua Fannin and Kendarius Rogers, both of Montgomery, AL; seven great-grandchildren; five sisters, Annie Battle; Ethel Norman; Chenita Matthews; devoted sisters, Cheryl Edmonds and Dewyetta Ashley, all of Montgomery, AL; two brothers, James (Robin) Fannin, of Lansing, MI; and Bro. Ferderdar (Sally) Fannin, of Montgomery, AL; three sisters-in-law, Eunice Croskey; Wynona Croskey; Letitia Croskey, all of Montgomery; one rother-in-law, Erick (Autherine) Croskey; one devoted Niece, Veleta Croskey-Rogers, Montgomery, AL; five special nephews, John; Omar; Jonathan; Lorenzo Jr.; and Jason; Devoted friends, Ervin Norman and Roderick Williams, both of Montgomery, AL; one special , Lane Coleman (who fought beside him in the Vietnam War); a host of other relatives and friends.

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