Source: http://www.gillfirstnational.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1296266

Thomas “Hunk” Fussell
February 25, 1930 - April 24, 2014

Visitation for Mr. Thomas “Hunk” Fussell, 84, of Crowville, LA will be held on Monday, April 28, 2014 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home in Bossier City, LA from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Additional visitation will be on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Fish Bayou Baptist Church at 604 Hwy 610, Winnsboro, LA. The funeral will follow on April 30, 2014 at 1:00 PM at Fish Bayou Baptist Church with burial to follow at Lone Star Cemetery in Sikes, LA. Rev. Jimmy Goodman, Rev. Kelly Clark, and Rev. James “Slick” Simons will be officiating.

Thomas “Hunk” Fussell, owner of Fussell Company Contractors, was born on February 25, 1930 in Swampers, LA to John and Minnie Simons Fussell. Mr. Fussell passed away in Jackson Parish on April 24, 2014.

In August of 1947, Mr. Fussell enlisted in the Navy where he served four years during the Korean conflict. Upon his return to Franklin Parish, he began his construction career. He began clearing land working for Mr. Howard “Foots” Anderson. In 1959, he became partners with J.L. and J.N. Donnell, opening the company Donnell and Fussell Land Clearing. In 1972, he and his wife, Betty Fussell, founded Fussell Company Contractors. He cleared land for timber companies, clearing farm land and site work for reforestation, working for such companies as Olan Craft, John Manville, and Riverwood International. Mr. Fussell then found his love and talent of building highways, roads, and bridges. His company remains the IDIQ contractor at Barksdale Air Force Base, having this opportunity for 23 years. He was responsible for the maintenance of the concrete runway, taxi way, and parking ramp at the base, as well as other maintenance on Barksdale Air Force Base. He overseen the day-to-day operations until his sudden and unexpected death. Over his many years of construction work, he has given numerous men the opportunity to learn the use of heavy equipment and the construction industry, as well as help other construction companies become their own entrepreneurs. He was recognized by President Clinton in 1999 for 40 years of continued growth and satisfaction of his work. In 2007, Mr. Fussell was recognized by the Air Force for being Contractor Of The Year.

Mr. Fussell was a dedicated member to his Christian faith. He was a member of Fish Bayou Baptist Church in Crowville, LA.

Mr. Fussell was proceeded in death by his parents; three sisters Helen Haire, Hazel Standard, and Mable Fussell; a brother, John “Son” Fussell; and two grandsons, Christopher and Christian Pepper.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Smith Fussell, of 57 years after being married on July 27, 1956. To this union came a daughter, Vicki Fussell Pepper and husband Kenneth; and a son, Tommy W. Fussell and wife Sheila. Four grandchildren; Bridgette Pepper Bordelon and husband Robbie; Lora Pepper Batchelor and husband Fletch; Adam Fussell and wife Valene; and Anna Fussell. Five great-grandchildren; Victoria Bordelon, Ethan Fussell, Tristan Bordelon, Rayley Gallagher, and Eli Fussell, with his sixth great-grandchild, baby Batchelor, expected to arrive in early November. All of his family resides in Crowville. Mr. Fussell had a strong love for his family, providing direction, support and love to all. His family was his greatest joy and will always be remembered as “Pawpaw Hunk”.

Serving as pallbearers will be his dedicated employees; Isiah Brown, Frederick Larkins, John Watkins, Henry Santiago, Larkin Tidwell, Leroy Johnson, Clyde “Bear” Johnson, Latroyia “Deon” Meadows, Jimmy Marshall, Randall Middleton, Austin Devine, and Kirby Gray.

Honorary pallbearers will be John Scott and Lannie Sturdivant.

Under the direction of Gill First National Funeral Home Winnsboro, LA.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for all the heart felt prayers and act of condolences offered by all.