A Tribute to Industry Veteran David Fell, B.G. Hoadley Quarries

The natural stone industry is saddened by the recent death of David Fell, president of B.G. Hoadley Quarries, who died on August 4, 2021, in Bloomington, IN, at the age of 59. David successfully led a multigenerational limestone business for over 35 years.

If it were ever true that a person had stone dust in their blood, it would be the Fell family. After completing a degree in marketing at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1983, David returned to Bloomington to work alongside his brother, Chip, sister, Laura, and his mother, who picked up the mantel of B.G. Hoadley in 1977 after the passing of David’s father, Bert. Chip left Bloomington to pursue his own career in finance and Laura married and relocated to Chicago. David took the helm, eventually seeing his own children, Lauren and Garrett, join as the sixth generation in the family business.

Always looking to improve the natural stone industry, David served on the Board of Directors for both the Indiana Limestone Institute (ILI) and the Allied Stone Industries (ASI). He was also an active member of the Natural Stone Institute (NSI). Through his involvement with these groups, he developed many strong professional and personal relationships. All three organizations have lost a great champion.

In January 2020, David was honored to accompany his mother, Patsy Fell-Barker, to StonExpo/Marmomac in Las Vegas, NV, where she was recognized with the 2020 Women in Stone Pioneer Award.

Always willing to engage in meaningful conversation, David recently met with the NSI & ILI leaders at his facility to discuss industry initiatives and how to advance the industry he loved so much. “David always greeted you with a smile and was one of the most genuine people you could meet. His passion for the stone industry and the people he worked with was ingrained in him,” said Todd Schnatzmeyer of ILI. “He also had one of the best smiles in the industry!”

“You just felt at home with him, and he was open to discussing any topic that would improve the industry,” said Jim Hieb of the Natural Stone Institute.

Above all, David treasured his family, friends and animals. He never missed an opportunity to engage with his family at an LSU football game, “Geaux Tigers!” He also enjoyed spending time golfing, equestrian riding, hunting and fishing with them. David doted on his grandchildren and lit up at their giggles. He somehow found quality time for his life-long friends and enjoyed many trips with his industry friends through numerous ASI travel events.

You could often hear him say in a conversation, “We just need to do what’s right!” There’s no doubt he accomplished that mission time after time.

He will be missed!

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