William "Bill" Jennings

William “Bill” Jennings, 85, of New Orleans, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He was born on January 12, 1939, to Delbert and Mae Jennings and raised in Richmond, Indiana. Around the time he was earning his BS in Engineering from Indiana Tech, Bill met and married the love of his life, Shelbylynn. After his graduation, they moved to Seattle and began their family, having three children in the next four years. In 1963, they moved to New Orleans where Bill attended Tulane, earning an MBA in 1967. In 1973, their youngest son, Benjamin, was born.

Bill and Shelby were active members of the First Christian Church of Greater New Orleans. They were also involved in the development of Lafrenière Park, where Bill served on the board for many years. The completion of the running track was one of Bill’s favorite accomplishments.

In his 40’s, Bill took up running, working his way up to running marathons. He achieved his goal of running a marathon in all 50 states, among them the New York and Boston Marathons. Ultimately, he ran over 100 marathons, including one on all seven continents. He also ran and swam as a Senior Olympian.

His competing meant that he and Shelby enjoyed a very active retirement, traveling extensively. They toured Australia, China, and Europe.

ill had a passion for sports, especially Tulane Athletics. He and Shelby regularly attended football, basketball, and volleyball games, but his favorite was always baseball. Whether rooting for Tulane or his beloved Cincinnati Reds, Bill never lost his love for the game.

Bill is survived by his children: Kelly Jennings (husband Mark Burgh), Benjamin Jennings (wife Marlis), a daughter-in-law, Toni Jennings as well as his sister, Sue Butler, and his five grandchildren: Christopher Jennings, Michael Jennings (wife Amy), Hershel Burgh, Molly Jennings, and AJ Jennings. He also had one great-grandson, Henry William Jennings.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Shelby; two sons, Jay Scott Jennings and William Michael Jennings, and two of his siblings, Jerry Jennings and Linda Petry.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm on June 5, 2024, at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie. A repass will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, https://act.alz.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.