Fred Reddick

Obituary: Fred Reddick Dec.21, 1916Nov. 3, 2011 Fred Reddick, 94, longtime Avon Park resident, passed away on Nov. 3rd, 2011, in Deltona, Florida, after a long life filled with family and friends. Beloved husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather, he will be sorely missed. Fred is fondly remembered for his sweet and generous nature, his sense of humor, his strong passion and love for his family, his patriotism for his country, his loyalty to Florida Power, his stoicism, work ethic, dependability, and his strong moral fiber. Fred was born one of eleven children in Springvale, Georgia on Dec. 21st, 1916 to Glen Ora Morris and Henry Wiggins Reddick. He came to Avon Park as a freckle-faced young boy in the early 1920s and remained as a life long resident. He worked with his father in his saw mill business, and clerked at his fathers general store, standing on a box so he could see over the counter. After graduating from Avon Park High School in 1934, he went on to work as a butcher and for Irvin Ford Chevrolet as a salesperson and in parts. He was employed before WW II by the United States Civil Service Commission, Ordnance Service Command Shop in Sebring. Fred joined the Florida National Guard, and later entered active duty in the Army of the United States on Dec.27, 1942 during World War II, initially serving in a training command in California and endurance testing motorized vehicles. He then served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre for eighteen months. Fred was an ordnance supply NCO and an automotive and airplane parts clerk. He was declared essential, stayed in the Okinawa theatre organizing and disposing of surplus war materials, and received an honorable discharge as a technical sergeant on March 16, 1946. He received the American Theatre Ribbon, APT Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WW#2 Victory Medal. After returning home, he married Maryanne Davidson on Dec. 27, 1947 and had two daughters in the early 1950s. Fred and Maryanne were active members of the First United Methodist Church all during the time they lived in Avon Park. Fred worked nearly forty years for Florida Power (later Florida Progress) as a serviceman, receiving numerous certifications and proficiency awards, and retiring in the early 1980s. After retirement, Fred enjoyed half of each year at his summer home in Franklin, North Carolina, enjoying his family and North Carolina friends. Fred had ten siblings, all of whom preceded him in death. Fred is survived by his wife, Maryanne; two daughters, Holly Ward (and her husband, Hugh) (DeLand, Florida), and Candy Davis (Fruitland Park, Florida); three grandchildren, Hugh Campbell Ward, III (St. Augustine), Mary Love Ward (DeLand), and Kathryn Leigh Davis (Fruitland Park); and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Avon Park on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jim Weiss officiating. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, the family invites friends to join them in the Fellowship Hall for a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First United Methodist Church of Avon Park. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Avon Park www.stephensonnelsonfh.com