William Leslie Fernatt, age 90, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025. He was born January 1, 1935, to Leslie and Christabell Massey Fernatt.   Known as Bill, he was the loving husband of Joyce Jacqueline Fernatt and the proud father of five children.

When asked of his family to describe Bill, some of the words used were hardworking, a loyal family man, a simple man, an avid outdoorsman, someone who never met a stranger, and by one as a really bad driver, for that innocent individual stuck in the vehicle with him.  His CB handle was "Sportsman" and he loved fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities.

Bill was saved as a young boy and rededicated his life to the Lord in the early 1980's.  There was never a doubt that Bill loved the Lord and rarely would you leave his presence without hearing of his love for his Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of his great-grandchildren so beautifully reflected that Bill fulfilled his purpose here on earth and now he gets to rest in Heaven.  He said that even though they didn't see each other as much as he had gotten older, that Bill had taught him a lot about being thankful for and seeing the beauty in the little things.  He also taught him to take care of nature and to just be a good person.  Even though he's gone to heaven he would still carry the values and the time they spent together with him until it's his time to go too.  That is the legacy Bill Fernatt is leaving this family.

Bill was predeceased in death by his wife of sixty-eight years, Jackie Fernatt, who passed away on January 21, 2025, as well as his son, William "Billy" Fernatt, his parents and his siblings: Rose, Lee, Loraine, Frances, Clarence, Vernon, John and Evelyn.  He has four surviving siblings: Mary, George, Shelby and Steve.

Bill is further survived by four children: Eddie (Becky) Fernatt, Greg (Teena) Fernatt, Darrell (Betty) Fernatt and Sherry (Ron) Alphin, 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.

Bill will be remembered for his many sayings that if you heard once you heard a hundred times.  "He was always looking out for the little man."  One thing you wouldn't hear from Bill would be the word goodbye.  He would say "I'll see you or talk to you later, I love you."  We know this is not goodbye for we will see him again one glorious day.  It is the family's honor to bury Bill beside his bride in the family cemetery on the farm that they called their little piece of heaven, the Scenic Lane Farm in Hinton, West Virginia.  A private family burial will be held at the family cemetery on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 12:00 o'clock noon.

Bill truly was a humble man and another precious thing this family has the opportunity to carry on is that he always said, "Thank you" - "I appreciate you" and "I love you."  Those final words he faithfully expressed to his family and caregivers, even with death being near he never took the care and love he received for granted.  With that same sentiment we also want to give special appreciation to those who loved and cared for Bill.  Thank you, Dr. Hrishi Patel and Dr. Nehal Patel for the many years of dedicated care, as well as the staff at Summers County Hospital and Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.  To the amazing staff at Mary's Garden, please know you were a blessing and an answered prayer.   For all those who selflessly loved and took exceptional care of him, the family of Bill Fernatt says thank you and we appreciate you and until we meet or talk again, we love you.