Obituary of William Norman Fannin

Talladega – William “Hank” Fannin, 85, passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018. Funeral arrangements on Mr. Fannin will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Usrey Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Fannin was born on June 5, 1933 in Talladega, AL. He graduated from Childersburg High School in 1951 and joined the State Forestry Department working in the fire tower. During this time he hitchhiked to Texas and played on the Texas Jamboree with various entertainers. Some who have since become stars. During 1953 to 1955 Hank served in the Army where he served in the airborne/paratrooper division. He also worked as a DJ at a local station while in college. In 1960 Mr. Fannin graduated from Jacksonville State University.

 Between the years of 1960 to 1965, Hank became the first male employee for the Alabama Department of Pensions and Security. He was a member for 10 years and president of the Talladega Lions Club. In 1964 Hank graduated from the Birmingham School of Law. Since 1965, Hank has been a member of the Talladega County Bar Association and Alabama Bar Association. In 1968, Mr. Fannin served on the Talladega County Draft Board until the draft was terminated. He was also the first Assistant District Attorney hired by Talladega County. He was also a member of the first Board of Directors for the Motor Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1984, Mr. Fannin was appointed Judge of Talladega. He was also a member of the Bryan Townsend’s “Who So Ever Will” Sunday school class. Mr. Fannin was also a member of Saint Peter Episcopal Church and has served on the Vestry. Mr. Fannin was presented a 50 year pin for his service to the Alabama State Bar.

Hank is preceded in death by his parents, John and Velma Fannin; brothers, George C. “Red” Fannin, James M. Fannin, and Johnny Fannin; and granddaughter, Addie C. Fannin. He is survived by his wife, Hilda F. Fannin; daughter, Cannon F. Connell (Scott); three sons, Jeb S. Fannin (Connie), James D. “Jim” Fannin (Tina), and William Ryan “Rye” Fannin; sister, Faye Smith; eight grandchildren, Kaleb Fannin, Hannah Webster, Sara Connell, Nathan Fannin, Emma Connell, Sadie Fannin, Hillary Fannin, and Bryson S. Fannin.

Pallbearers will be Rex Killough, George Sims, Mark Nelson, Travis Ford, James “Smutt” Smith, and James Murner. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Talladega County Bar Association. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Peters Episcopal Church.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com

Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega will direct services.