William DeNeale Fister Jr., 81, passed away on August 22, 2026, in Shelbyville, Tennessee, surrounded by the love of the family that meant everything to him.
William was born on April 27, 1945, in San José, Costa Rica, to William DeNeale Fister Sr. and Lidette Austen. His life would take him to many places, including San José, Costa Rica; Managua, Nicaragua; Charlottesville, Virginia; Silverdale, Washington; Miami, Florida; and finally, Shelbyville, Tennessee. Each place became part of a life filled with experiences, stories, friendships, and, above all, family.
As a young man, William attended Fishburne Military School in Virginia. Throughout his professional life, he was involved in several businesses and ventures. He owned the Ostuma Inn in Costa Rica and later worked with IDS American Express and Step One Financial Recovery. William shared 56 years of marriage with his wife, Irene Fister. Their marriage, their family, and the life they built together were at the center of his world. William is survived by his wife of 56 years, Irene Fister; his children, Irene Marie Fister, William DeNeale Fister III, Ramon Castillo, Marisol Castillo, and Edmundo Castillo; his 20 grandchildren; and his nephew, Rafa Solano Fister, son of his beloved late sister, Lidiette “Bibi” Fister. He was preceded in death by his parents, William DeNeale Fister Sr. and Lidette Austen, and his two sisters, Jeannette Fister and Lidiette “Bibi” Fister.
Those who knew William will remember a man with a strong personality, strong opinions, and an even stronger love for his family. Yes, he could be stubborn—but behind that stubbornness was a man whose intentions came from a place of love and wanting the very best for the people he cared about. William loved traveling and fishing, and his pipe was rarely far away. He had a special affection for his 1988 Honda CRX, a car that became unmistakably his. He especially loved planning meals. For William, a meal wasn't simply about eating. It was an opportunity to bring everyone together. He enjoyed deciding what the family would eat, planning it out, and most of all, having everyone gathered around the table. He loved staying informed about world history and politics and could spend hours watching Fox News and following what was happening around the world. A conversation with William could quickly become a spirited political or historical discussion—particularly when you agreed with him. And when you didn't, he was always ready to explain exactly why you should. Above everything else, William loved his family.
His wife, his children, his grandchildren, and the time they spent together were what mattered most to him. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an amazing grandfather whose presence will be deeply missed. And for those fortunate enough to have debated, negotiated, or simply gone back and forth with William, there is one phrase that will forever bring his voice back: “You win! ¡Vos ganás!” His family may have heard those words many times, but the truth is that they were the ones who won—by having William in their lives.
Funeral Mass was held at 1 P.M. Monday, September 7, 2026, at St. William of Montevergine Catholic Church in Shelbyville, TN.
Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel is honored to be serving the family of William DeNeale Fister, Jr.
