William James Rennie was born on January 23, 1942 in New York City, NY. His father William Rennie, mother Cecilia Elizabeth (Ramelli) Campbell and step father Joseph J. Campbell preceded him in death. He attended and graduated from NYC grammar and high schools. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he was employed and retired after 45 years in 2015 from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). He was an active member of Local 498 Pipe and Steamfitters Union. Many knew him as “Bill” or “Yank.” His grandchildren affectionately called him “Poppy” and he loved them dearly and they were his pride and joy. He was an avid Yankee and Giants fan, and was known for his love of baseball and football. He had several quirky sayings, one being his favorite “I’m glad you got to see me.” Mr. Rennie passed away August 15, 2018 at Lincoln County Hospital following an acute illness. He was a member of Fayetteville First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Mary Lee O’Neal Rennie; sons William “Billy” James (Christine) Rennie of College Point, NY and Raymond David Rennie of Huntsville, AL; daughters Tracey (Dean) LaGrand of Springfield, VA, Amanda Land Hazelbaker (fiance Chris Pigg) of Fayetteville, TN grandchildren Willie, Carly Mary Helen and Luke Rennie of NY, Kyle of GA and Austin Rennie of MS, Makayla LaGrand of VA, Jarrett Hazelbaker, Luke and Anna Pigg of TN; brother Robert Rennie of Queens, NY; sisters Margaret “Madge” (Tony) DiPippo of New York, NY and Joan Campbell of Danbury, CT; nieces Joann G. DiPippo Li (Eugene) of Westchester, NY, Keela O’Neal Warren of Harvest, AL; nephews Michael DiPippo of Queens, NY, Timothy M. (Tracey) O’Neal of Conyers, GA, also preceded in death nephew Anthony DiPippo of New York, NY.
Other loved ones he always considered family Teka Rennie and Ben Hazelbaker and his best friends Mike Petty and Ralph Whitehead.
Visitation and services were held August 19, 2018 at Higgins Funeral Home. Mr. Rennie was laid to rest at Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. “We will always carry your memory in our hearts.”
Mary Lee, sending my sympathy to you & your family in the loss of your husband. I remember you from CHS in home economics. May God bless you during this sad time.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know he had been ill for a while and he is now in a better place but he still be missed. I wish we were there to ease your burden and comfort you as Amanda and Jarrett. You will be on our prayers.
The Rennie family has forever found a place in my heart. I am thankful to have had the pleasure of meeting this precious family and getting to know “Bud”. My heart is saddened by the loss of Mr. Rennie. I pray for peace and strength for this family through this difficult time.
Mary Lee so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary Lee it saddens me to hear of Bill’s passing. He always knew how to make Dennis and I laugh all those years ago in Eastwood. Years gone by and we all drifted a part from the old homes but never fail Bill never forgot us, never saw him out and about town that he before we went our ways again he made us laugh and alwaus called us by name. Prayer for you and family. He was one of a kind.
One Of My FAVORITE PEOPLE of all time. I Love Uncle Bill more then can be put in to words. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him..!!
Dad, I’m so sorry you’re gone but I’m very glad we spoke daily for most of the last 3 months. I wish you didn’t have to go but I am happy you’re not in pain anymore.
Until we meet again, I’ll give you the two words you always gave me when I left the house, “watch yourself”. I hope they’ll guide you like they did me.
I love and miss you terribly.
Mary Lee, I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories. Thinking of you.