Henry Wayne Fenimore, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on April 21, 2024, after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a graduate of Dickinson High School Class of 1964. Out of high school, he joined and served in the Delaware Army National Guard for four years. From then he and his two brothers, Herbie and Bobby, set off to start what would become a lifetime career commitment for all three of them and formed B&F Towing in 1967.
B&F Towing is always easily recognizable on roadways by the fleet’s vibrant color – Yellow! But what was even more evident to everyone was the bond that the brothers shared and how it shaped into an unbreakable, and mutually respectful partnership, where they not only took care of each other, but built their business being dedicated to their employees, customers, and their community. Henry would accept nothing less, but to lead the way and set the standard of excellence and growth for towing companies in Delaware and beyond.
Henry became a champion of training, modernization and advancement in the industry that would span over five decades of innovation in the towing and recovery, as well as salvage industry. He was one of 13 founding members of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), as well as a member of the Delaware Motor Transport Association, Automotive Recyclers Association, Delaware Towing Association, and Armstrong Lodge No. 26 Freemasons of Delaware. JUST TO NAME A FEW! Most notably, his career achievements culminated in 2022 with his induction as #350 into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame. These achievements and his larger-than-life personality brought him to be known as “Uncle Henry” to worldwide friends and industry peers. Although Henry would not say it himself, he is quickly described by many as an icon Delawarean and legend in the tow industry.
Henry was a friend to all with his magnetic personality. He stayed close with classmates from elementary school to the person he just met, as well as his doctors and patient care teams. When he met you, you became his friend. His hobbies included racing, especially side-by-side with his best friend Biddy who together built many checkered-flag winning sprint race cars during their times with the United Racing Club (URC). You could find Henry at the local auctions finding a great deal or jumping into the thrill to outbid everyone for a good find. Henry loved a good meal and having conversations with people which is why you could always find him in the local diners around Delaware to enjoy a good meal and fellowship.
He will forever be remembered for his deep love of family, countless friendships extended to anyone and everyone, and his generosity to those in need. Henry believed in contributing to the community that the business served. It was always a “yes, whatever you need” – and he was there for you, even if it was just to listen, tell a story, or help in some way. Henry always gave an immediate ‘yes’ to support countless charities and organizations in the community, especially when it came to honoring our military, or in support of law enforcement, the fire service, or our children.
Henry was predeceased by his parents Harvey C. Fenimore, Sr. and Annie Fenimore; his stepsons Keith Russell and Jeff Russell; brothers Harvey C. Fenimore Jr., J. Herbert Fenimore Sr., Donald R. Fenimore Sr., Roger A. Fenimore; and sisters Frances L. Maley, and Audrey F. Watt. He is together again with his beloved four-legged companion, his dog, Abby.
Henry’s greatest love and legacy was his family. Henry is survived by his children Christine F. Kubik (David Agnor), Barbara A. Fenimore (Tommy Ellis), Curtis R. Fenimore, and Adam K. Fenimore (Terri), and step-daughter-in-law Christina Russell; his grandchildren Ryan, Joseph, Brandon, Sloane, Fiona, and Dominic – all who were the true light of his life. In addition, Henry is survived by his brothers Robert D. Fenimore (Carol) and Randall B. Fenimore (Susan Brady); sisters Phyllis F. Campbell, Ellen Jane Sandstrom, Evelyn J. F. Callahan (Ed), and sisters-in-law Kathleen R. Fenimore and Susanna P.B. Fenimore; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and extended family. Henry loved to mentor and was most proud of three of his nephews - Jim Fenimore, Wayne Fenimore and David Fenimore – all who chose careers in the towing business with him. Henry loved his time together with his companion and girlfriend, Lillian Pierson.
Friends may call 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home (3710 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE 19808). Services will be held at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. Interment at Silverbrook Cemetery will follow.
In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of giving that Henry lived by and inspired us all, please consider a donation in his memory to the International Towing Museum’s Survivor Fund. The job of a towing operator is one of the most dangerous in the world. These men and women work perilously close to high-speed traffic and routinely face the danger of impaired, inattentive, and distracted drivers. The Survivor Fund provides immediate financial support to the families of towing operators who lost their lives in the line of service to the motoring public.
Link: https://internationaltowingmuseum.app.neoncrm.com/forms/henry-fenimore-in-memory Mail: International Towing Museum Survivor Fund, 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37408
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude for the care given to Henry over the last year by Dr. William Lee, Eileen Gabrielli, and the entire oncology team at Helen F Graham Cancer Center, as well as the team at Compassionate Care Hospice. In addition, Henry experienced life’s health challenges over the years for which he was always thankful for the life-saving measures taken by his physicians who he called friends: Dr. Anthony Furey, Dr. Mark Blackwell, Dr. Kathryn Bowser, and Dr. Stuart Felzer.
