In Honor of Fletcher Bizzell

Jan, 13th, 2021

Mr. Fletcher H. Bizzell, of age 83, completed his earthly journey Friday, January 8, 2021 at his home.

He was born the first of six children in Wayne County on September 15, 1938 to the late Lepolia Bizzell and Mildred Cousins Bizzell.

His early education was received in Duplin County and he graduated from E.E. Smith High School in 1956 with honors. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and dutifully served his country for four years.  He received an honorable discharge in 1960.

A message from Tammy Childers, Executive Director at ECWDB:

"Fletcher was a fellow Rotarian and served in many leadership roles on numerous boards throughout the years. When I began working for the board in February 1994, Fletcher was a board member.

He was very engaged and was always supportive of our work.  Fletcher continued serving on our board through the years, until about 15 or so years ago, when Wayne County Board of Commissioners appointed him to the Wayne Memorial Hospital Board.  I remember when Fletcher called me to let me know, and he was upset that Commissioners were changing his board assignment.  He said that he had requested that the Commissioners allow him to continue to serve on the ECWDB.  At the time, Wayne County had a rule that citizens could only serve on one board at a time.

During that year, Fletcher remained faithful to our board and continued to attend several events.  The following year, Fletcher called with the great news that the Commissioners had appointed him back to the ECWDB.  A few years ago, when Fletcher retired from Excel-Linde as their Human Resource Director, he became very active with  WAGES, Inc., a community-based organization in Wayne County, where he had served as their board chair and a long-time member of that board.  As a result of his leadership, Fletcher was appointed to represent Wages and serve on our board. 

Through the years, Fletcher served in many capacities on our board to include serving as an officer, a Committee Chair, and committee member of various committees.  

In 2013, our board presented Fletcher with the Don Harris Leadership Award for his many leadership contributions to our board and the Region. Fletcher loved people and believed in giving them a hand up.  He saw the value of the Board’s work and promoted workforce development opportunities throughout his community to help others who needed services connect. Fletcher lived his life with the Rotary motto “Service above Self.” 

We will miss Fletcher – his unwavering support, faithful attendance to the board and committee meetings, kind emails, and phone calls.  He was an extraordinary man with a big heart."

Visit his obituary if you wish to write a tribute and/or send flowers.