Community mourns loss of longtime Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley
Bill Fawley accepts an honor from Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber in 2023.
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
Longtime Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 29. He was 79.
Fawley had served as county auditor for 32 years, having most recently been elected in November 2018 for his eighth term in office. He retired after his eighth term in office. He was a longtime leader and adviser within the Highland County Republican Party.
During a March 2023 retirement reception, Fawley received proclamations and recognitions from Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Attorney General Dave Yost, as well as former Congressman Brad Wenstrup.
“It is so sad that Bill has gone. He was my mentor (politically)," Highland County Republican Party Chair Paulette Donley said.
“He shared so much of his knowledge on candidates, policies, voters, etc. He was a great public servant, too. He was a gem. Just a sad day for Highland County.”
Former Highland County Commissioner and current State Sen. Shane Wilkin told The Highland County Press, “Bill was a great help and a great influence on me – not just during my time as a county commissioner, but at the state level as well. This was really, really sad news.”
State Auditor Faber visited the Highland County Auditor Office in September 2022, where Faber honored Fawley for over three decades of public service.
Auditor Faber presented a proclamation “in recognition and appreciation” of Fawley’s service to the Highland County community and to the state.
“On behalf of the people of the State of Ohio, and certainly me as your state auditor, congratulations on your years of service,” Faber said.
“Your knowledge and expertise have proven time and again to be an invaluable asset to the county and State of Ohio. Thank you for your service, and congratulations.”
It was one of many honors Fawley received for his public service, community service and leadership role with the Highland County Republican Party and its Executive Committee. Fawley also served on the Auditor of State’s Southwestern Ohio Regional Advisory Board.
“Bill set the standard for a community official,” Highland County Board of Commissioners President Brad Roades said. “He was always there for any questions – on one’s behalf of a tax bill, CAUV, or ‘Where is my tax money going?’”
“Bill was the epitome of good government service and a good friend.”
Highland County Commissioner Terry Britton added, “We have lost a man who truly loved Highland County. He has been a mentor, colleague and a friend to me and all of us in government and politics. When you think about all he has done for Highland County for over 30 years, Bill is a true patriot.
“My condolences to the family. Bill will be missed by all.”
Without question, Fawley played a major supporting role in the elections of many local and state GOP office holders during the last 30 years.
Former State Sen., State Rep., and current Highland County Commissioner David Daniels told The Highland County Press that “Highland County taxpayers could not ask for a better example of a public servant than Bill Fawley.
“Every other public official relied on Bill and his institutional knowledge. Highland County and the state of Ohio lost a great man and public servant, and I lost a great friend and mentor. Bill could explain the most complicated issues in a way that everyone could understand, with a clear, calm, even-handed demeanor.
“My deepest sympathies go to Dianne, Will and the entire Fawley family.”
"Bill was one of those guys that always had a story, and most times, it had nothing to do with what you originally asked him," Highland County Recorder Chad McConnaughey told The Highland County Press. "The interesting part is that I always enjoyed the conversation – no matter the topic. I would always instruct my staff to come and get me if I didn't come back within 30 minutes, because Bill had likely gone off into a story about his teaching days or early auditor days. He was a wonderful person who was always ready to lend you some advice and knowledge. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Former Hillsboro City Auditor Rosemary Ryan said she considered Bill and Dianne as longtime friends.
“My funniest story about Bill is how I ended up buying their house," she said. "I used to take walks on their street, and asked Bill to keep an eye out for any homes that were for sale at a reasonable price. Soon after, he asked if I wanted to buy their house – at a lower price than it would have been listed. I thought about it, then bought it. I’m sure Bill did a lot of favors for a lot of people.”
Current Highland County Auditor Alex Butler said, “Bill was my professional mentor, political adviser and personal friend. Anyone who has run for office in the last 30 years can claim the same.
“He poured himself into our county and gave us his best. To say he loved his job would be an understatement. My entire life I would see Bill around the county and he always took the time to talk to me.
“His political knowledge was rivaled by no one, and I can’t fail to mention his charming sense of humor. When I decided to run for Highland County Auditor after he announced his retirement, he was very supportive and continued to advise and answer questions anytime I would call. I will always appreciate his dedication to the profession and our county. He is a legend. I’m going to miss him.”
Visitation for Bill Fawley will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Hillsboro Global Methodist Church, 133 E. Walnut St., Hillsboro. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at the church. Burial will follow services on Friday in the Lynchburg Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the Fawley family encourages everyone to contribute in Bill’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or to the charity of your choice.
The Turner & Son Funeral Home is serving the family. To sign the online guest book, visit https://www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.