FENLEY NEWTON MAGNESS

…I am a lineman for the county and I drive the main roads…searching in the sun for another overload…”

Fenley Newton Magness passed away on Nov. 19, 2020, at Baylor Scott and White-Hillcrest in Waco, surrounded by his dearest family. Fenley was born on July 31, 1938, in Streetman.

He was preceded in death by his parents William Doyal Magness and Katie Evelyn Calame Magness, and his sister Gloria Faye Herod, and his infant sister, Donna Doyalene.

Fenley is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 61 years, Louise; daughter and son-in-law Lesa and Kenny Hancock; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Dale Story; grandchildren Taylor, Sydney, Taelin, Laynie, Gary, Justin, Ryan, Katie, Amanda and Nathan; great-grandchildren Fenley, Tinley, and two more great-grandchildren on the way.

Fenley was a dedicated employee of Southwestern Electric Service Company for 38.5 years. During that time Fenley filled many positions and finally ended his career as divisional superintendent. He later spent years as head maintenance coordinator at Thousand Trails Campgrounds at Lake Whitney. Fenley and Louise spent several years there and traveling with dear friends that they met along the way.

Fenley lived a life that was full of love and joy. Those who knew him have described him as a supernova of light and love. When Fenley made a friend, that friendship was for life. Fenley was an individual who never took the easy way out. He was a man of strong moral fiber and a man of unparalleled compassion. When he loved you… it was all the way. In relationships he took no detours…no off-ramps. When life got heavy, Fenley got stronger. When life knocked you down and you were at your weakest, he would be the one to pick up your burdens and carry your load on his back. Many times, we’ve seen Fenley sacrifice himself for his family and friends. That’s just the kind of man he was.

“…I know I need a small vacation but it don’t look like rain and if it snows that stretch down south won’t ever stand the strain…”

Fenley Newton Magness was constantly looking for things to do and people to help. He always came running with tools and helping hands. When family would suggest that he take it easy, for Fenley, it was just not possible. He could always be found in his perfectly organized workshop usually working on a project for someone else. When he wasn’t in his workshop you could find him spending time at the family deer lease getting ready for deer season and then sitting in the stand waiting for the perfect buck. In recent years he lived for watching grandchildren, Taelin and Laynie, at any and every ball game. He rarely missed a game. He would sit there and be tallying the score on his notepad, not missing a single play. If you knew Fenley in the last 14 months you could bet he was going to proudly tell you that his great-grandson, Fenley, was named after him, which was one of his proudest moments. Helping others was his true purpose in life. Fenley was a man of true character and a faithful follower of Christ.

The family would like to thank Dr. Heather Henderson, nurses, and respiratory therapists who cared for Fenley during his stay in the Medical ICU at Baylor Scott and White-Hillcrest. They fought hard and tirelessly and never lost hope. The family is beyond grateful for the encouragement, love and hand holds they provided him with during his stay. Thank you will never be enough.

“…Our dear Fenley…our Papaw…our Love…we need you more than want you and we want you for all time…now taking your place in heaven…the Wichita Lineman…is still on the line…”

Please visit www.jonesfuneralservicestx.com to sign the guestbook and leave a memorial message for the family.