Zelvin Burl Fonville

Zelvin Burl Fonville, loving husband, father and Pops, was wrapped in the arms of Jesus Saturday, June 5, 2021. Service: 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 11, 2021 at The First United Methodist Church of Azle. Visitation: 6 to 8 P.M. at White’s Azle Funeral Home, Azle, 76020. Interment: Ash Creek Cemetery, Azle. Burl was born December 19, 1942, to Johnny and Murrell Fonville in Eastland County, Texas. Burl met the love of his life, Mary Wood, on October 10, 1963 and went on to marry her on June 8, 1968. Burl and Mary raised two children, Jennifer and Kyle. Burl was a beloved teacher and coach for 33 years. Burl had a passion for kids, and not just his own. He displayed this passion with his many years of working and mentoring kids as a coach, teacher and church volunteer. His family often referred to him as the “baby whisperer” as he could calm any crying grandbaby who was placed in his arms. Burl had a servant’s heart that was faithful to the Lord. He served as an usher in the church for more than 40 years as well as caring for the lawns of many church members for almost as many years. Burl and Mary, alongside their children, prepared and served weekly meals for the church for over 30 years, and he was many times the first to offer a helping hand when someone was in need. His endless show of unconditional love was an inspiration to all who knew him. Burl never met a stranger. His sweet spirit, infectious smile and good hearted teasing endeared him to all. Outside of his devotion to his wife, Burl cherished his relationship with his grandchildren. Ice cream with Pops was a common theme in the lives of those five children. His pure love for them is what made them love him even more. Life lessons that can only be taught by a “true grit” grandfather will live with them always. Burl will be missed most by his loving wife of 53 years. He and Mary truly lived an example of a Christ-centered marriage – serving each other selflessly, keeping God at the center and loving each other with complete, unconditional love. Burl was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Murrell Fonville; sisters, Etta Melton, Eunice March, Zula Ferguson, Mary Baggett, and Grace Porter; brother, Johnny Fonville; and grandson, Christian Shane Fonville Survived by loving wife, Mary Fonville; daughter, Jennifer Naylor; son, Kyle Fonville and wife, Christa; grandchildren, Jaron Ashley and wife, Arabella, Chase Ashley, and Jeffrey Ashley and fiancée, Martina and Kylie Fonville; and great-grandchildren Isaac Armstrong, Wyatt Ashley, Elias Ashley and Avery Ashley; sisters, Marilyn Carroll and Linda Harkins; brother, Charles Fonville; and a host of family and friends.