Freddie Mack Tabor

Dec. 25, is a day most people see as a day of hope and new beginnings. It is that day that Fred left his earthly body began his new heavenly journey with his new heavenly body.

Fred is survived by his children, Eric and Theresa, his bonus children, Mitch, Michael, Michelle and Marjorie, his sisters, Lucille and Ilene, brothers, Laddie and Junior and many nieces nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fred leaves behind a large family who loved him, but goes to greet those that preceded him in death, his mother, Hattie, father, Wilburn and wife, Darlene. Those that loved Fred now have their own personal guardian angel advocating for them on the other side of eternity.

Fred requested that there be no funeral services. He was a shy man but would show a gruff exterior to hide his shyness and soft heart, so I will honor that wish, but cannot let his passing be without some remembrances from those that loved him and knew him best.

From his son, Eric: Dad, I remember the first time that you took me deer hunting, I was around 7 or 8. We were out in the woods before the sun was up and it was a cold morning. I was sitting on a rock, and dad was under a tree a few feet away, we were sitting there for a long time. I started to get bored and cold, dad finally said we could go home, when I stood up and turned, there stood a doe, when I saw the doe, a sudden warmth came over my body. Dad whispered for me to stay still as we watched her pass by and told me that there would probably be a buck following her. We stood there for a while waiting and dad asked me if I wanted to go home, I said no, that was the day I caught the bug for deer hunting.

From his sister, Lucille: I remember when mom and all of us kids were working in the garden. Mom told Fred to get her one of his cigarettes. Fred said, “What are you talking about, I don’t smoke.” Mom replied, “You hide your cigarettes in the hollow of the tree, now go get me one.” Fred shook his head and got her one of his cigarettes, while we all laughed. Fred you are missed, even your grumpiness. Joe and I love you very much. I know you wanted to go and be with Darlene. Rest in peace and we will see you again. Love you, Sis.

From his brother, Laddie: I remember when we were children and it was Freds turn to go get the cows from the pasture, he would frequently ride one of them back up to the barn which normally got him scolded, but that rarely discouraged him. We also had an old hand crank tractor, on one occasion when he was trying to start it, the crank flew off and knocked Fred out. When Fred came to, he got up, shook it off and cranked that old tractor right up and off he went. He often used that tractor to pull neighbors out of ditches from time to time. Also remember when I was graduating from college and had signed a contract to teach at Blue Eye schools, but I did not have a vehicle. Fred offered to sell me his 1960 Ford Fairlane for $125, which turned out to be a wedding present from Fred as Nancy and I were preparing to marry. A kindness I have never forgotten. Rest in peace my brother, you are loved.

From his brother, Junior: I could really write a book on all the stuff Fred pulled; one time I remember he was going to be the fastest draw with a six gun. So out by the barn he would constantly practice his quick draw. One day while practicing the impossible, he promptly shot himself in the back of the leg. That ended the pursuit of “Quick Draw Fred.” I could go on and on but I will just say, I will miss my big brother. Rest in peace, your little brother, Junior.

From his sister, Ilene: My biggest memory of Fred is the real Christmas trees that he would bring me each year. I know they were scrub cedar that had been cleared from roads when he worked for the highway department(Fred worked for MODOT for more than 30 years). He would leave them as a surprise outside the front porch. I also remember the Christmas dinner when he was looking for an after-dinner cup of coffee. Mom usually only had instant. Theresa had hopped up and said she would make it for her dad. She brought him the coffee and he took a sip and nearly spit it out and asked if she had heaped the teaspoon and innocently said only the first one. Fred was always kind to mom and me, and his dad was proud of him.

From his step-daughter, Marjorie: You have been my bonus dad for 43 years, you always were a phone call away for repairs needed, you could fix anything it seemed. You would chuckle when I would take something to a repair shop, and they would say there was no saving it. One look and you would have it repaired in no time. You took care of my mother when she got sick and by her side for 30 years. In your later years, you needed my help, and I was glad I was able to for all the times you were there for us. I love you, grumpy Santa, so glad you are with mom now and you are no longer dealing with a body that failed you. Rest well Papa!