Clyde Fannin

Clyde Ivan Fannin was born at Majestic, Kentucky, the 8th child of the late John and Emma (Preece) Fannin on November 15,1939.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby (Clyde) Charles, Ruth (Mack) Bedsaul, Thelma Fannin and one brother, Ralph (Julia) Fannin. 

Clyde grew up in the coal camp of Majestic, Kentucky in the 1940’s and 50’s. A graduate of Phelps High School, he was a baseball and basketball player. A lefthanded pitcher with 3 excellent pitches, a fastball, a curve and a knuckleball.  After high school, Clyde answered the call to duty and served in the United States Army. He served in South Korea, at the de-militarized zone. While in the Army, he was assigned to the camp baseball team and excelled. His team traveled extensively playing other military teams and in exhibition games.  After serving in the military, he returned to his mountain heritage and went to work in the coal industry. Having already worked as a mine surveyor earlier in life, he quickly learned the trade in coal production. He and his brother opened Fannin Coal Company. One uncle had a bout with back trouble, the other made noises when lifting on the job. Based on these facts Papaw Fannin referred to the organization as the Hump and Grunt Coal Company. Such a description was Papaw’s way of giving his seal of approval and letting everyone know just how proud of them he was.

Clyde began attending the Majestic Church of Christ where he obeyed the gospel and served there faithfully for the remainder of his life.  Clyde suffered from black lung and congestive heart failure and passed into his heavenly reward on June 28, 2019, at Appalachian Regional Hospital, in South Williamson, Kentucky. He was 79 years old.

Clyde is survived by three children, Melissa (Julian) Hudkins of Groveland, Florida, Mark (Angel) Fannin of Phelps, Kentucky and Krissy Smith of Lexington, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Kyle Hudkins, Garrett Fannin, Morgan Fannin, Noah Smith and Jacob Smith.  He is also survived by two brothers, Robert (Ruby) Fannin of Freeburn, KY, Jack (Evelyn) Fannin of Morristown, Tennessee and one sister, Ernestine (Claude Jr) Sanders of Majestic, KY; and a host of loving nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 1, 2019 at the Jones & West Funeral Home with minister Marshall Daniels officiating.

Burial will follow at Mountain View Memory Gardens, Huddy, KY.

Visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home with special services at 7:00 P.M.

Arrangements are under the care of the Jones & West Funeral Home of Phelps, KY.  The guestbook may be signed at www.joneswestfh.com 

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