Fred Ross Mashburn IV

Fred Ross Mashburn IV, 21, passed away suddenly on April 10, 2013. He is survived by his parents, Fred Ross Mashburn III and Elizabeth Ann (Dunne) Mashburn, as well as his sisters, Catherine and Patricia, and his brother, Morgan.

Ross graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in 2010 and went on to college where he was studying studio art at Florida State University. He was a creative person who loved to draw, paint, sculpt and design. Throughout his student career, Ross acted in many theatre productions and was especially proud of his role as Hamlet. In addition, Ross was involved in fencing, both competitively and recreationally.

Ross always had a profound love and respect for animals and nature. He was especially at home on the St. Johns River, where he enjoyed sailing and spotting dolphins, ospreys, and bald eagles. Ross had an unending thirst for knowledge. He was an avid reader who was always eager to share what he had learned. Above all, Ross was known for his sense of humor. It was a rare occasion indeed when he was not making others laugh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Ross at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery on San Jose Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ross’ name to the St. Johns Riverkeeper or the North Florida Land Trust.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com.