Fred Lester Thrift passed away at his home in Hilliard, Fla. on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 at the age of 79.
Fred was born Oct. 26, 1936 in Waycross, Ga., the son of the late W.H. “Dub” and Marcella Thrift.
Mr. Thrift was an Air Force veteran and retired air traffic controller, where he was awarded the Performance Award for 25 years of service without a single system error, which is an elite group. He graduated from Jones College in 1976 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management. He was involved over the years in civic activities and coached many youth sports teams.
He was a very active member of Buford Grove Baptist Church, where he served as activities director. He also kept up with the church website, wrote several plays and wrote the monthly church Herald newsletter. He touched the lives of many and will be truly missed by his loving family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jeanette Myers Thrift; three children, Hardy (Susan) Thrift, Debbie (Buddy) West and Stewart (Suzanne) Thrift; five grandchildren, Ashley (R.G.) Beasley, Brooke Thrift, Kyle Thrift, Summer Thrift and Luke Thrift and numerous great-grandchildren; and one brother, Glynn (Hilda) Thrift.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 27 at Buford Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at Buford Grove Baptist Church, Pastor Curtis Harrington officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Waycross.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com. Arrangements were under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston, Ga.