Buck Jennings

Albert Lee (Buck) Jennings, 93, husband of the late Kelsie Hicks Jennings, died peacefully on July 11, 2011. For the past seven years he was a resident of Statesville Place having previously resided at 330 North Mulberry Street since 1945. � Mr. Jennings was born to the late Harvey Coleman Jennings and Jessie Webster Jennings on April 13, 1918 in South Boston, Virginia. Buck Jennings started his career in the construction business with P. S. West Construction and then went on with Gordon Lee Wilson to help found the G. L. Wilson Building Company in 1945. Buck was the General Superintendent of the firm until his retirement in 1980. He oversaw the construction of countless factories, commercial buildings, shopping centers, schools and hospitals in North Carolina and much of the eastern seaboard. Buck was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Statesville and was an active member there for many years. He was also very active in the Salvation Army, and the Sertoma Club as well as other local organizations and, until his death, was the last surviving founder of the Statesville Lions Club. He was instrumental in the development of the Babe Ruth Baseball Field and the clubhouse which bears his name. For his work with Habitat for Humanity, President Jimmy Carter presented him with an award and designated him North Carolina's Man of the Year. Buck was recognized by the Statesville Chamber of Commerce as citizen of the year for 1986. On Lake Hickory, in the 1950's, and then on Lake Norman, Buck discovered and pursued his love of boats and fishing which remained a lifelong passion. Buck also enjoyed hunting and playing bridge, poker and checkers. He traveled frequently and extensively throughout the world with his wife Kelsie as his guide. Buck was the father of Ida Mae Jennings of East Hampton, New York, the late James Albert Jennings of Lake Norman, Emily Jennings Stout (Richard) of Statesville and Yucca Valley, California, and Kenneth Lee Jennings of New York City and Redding, Connecticut. Affectionately known to them as "Daddy Buck," he is also survived by five grandchildren, Abigail Jennings Lewis, Michael Jennings, Jennifer Horton, Amanda Gaddy and Rebecca Johnson, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and son, he was preceded in death by his grandson David Parker Jennings, and his two sisters Arlene and Frances. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 18, 2011 from 9:30 until 10:30 am at Nicholson Funeral Home with graveside funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery. Dr. James Cartin and Fred Lowery, Sr. will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC, 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries . Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Albert Lee (Buck) Jennings.