OBITUARY
Fredrick Flynn Stork
July 1, 1933 – February 14, 2021
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness. - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Columbia native, Navy veteran and longtime furniture retailer Fredrick Flynn Stork, Sr., died Sunday. He was 87.
The only son of Fredrick R. and Angela Flynn Stork, he was recently preceded by the passing of his only sister, Angela Segui (Bill) of Memphis.
He was "Papa", to grandsons Brandon Hoover (Walton) and Fredrick Flynn Stork, III (Ambria), and also to great grandsons Bodie Hoover and Fritz Stork.
He was "Dad" to only daughter Karen Hoover (Michael) and only son Fredrick Flynn Stork, Jr., (Cathy).
He was "Freddie" to Betty Faye Davis, his sweetheart at Eau Claire High School where he was a standout starting pitcher for the Shamrocks baseball team.
They were married on his 19th birthday, just before he was shipped out by the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. His beloved "BeBe" was by his side for 68 years.
They bought Colony House Furniture Company in 1969 and together successfully ran that Garner's Ferry Road landmark until they retired.
Southern Home Furnishings Association sales reps voted Fred to be the "Most Respected and Well Liked" store owner in the South Carolina-North Carolina-Virginia region.
He also owned and operated Shandon Sofas and Chairs on Devine Street for 10 years. Thousands of homes in the Midlands contain furnishings from one of their two stores.
A devout, lifelong Catholic and devoted member of St. Joseph Church, he attended daily morning mass there for decades.
He served on its financial board, worked with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul charity and was selected to represent the parish at the celebration for the 175th anniversary of the Diocese of Charleston in 1995.
A founding member of the East Columbia Rotary Club, he was also on the Advisory Board of the National Bank of South Carolina and a member of the Executives Association of Greater Columbia, The Summit Club, The Palmetto Club and Columbia Country Club.
He loved golf. And he loved to travel. Few have had the opportunity to play both the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, and the Augusta National Golf Club as did he.
He loved Surfside Beach. He loved attending UofSC football and baseball games. He loved the Atlanta Braves. He loved hot dogs and Italian food. But, more than anything else, Fred loved his family. That family wishes to thank the staffs of the ER, CCU and ICU at Lexington Medical Center for their compassionate care in his final week.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, Feb. 19, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine Street. There will be a livestream of the funeral mass at www.stjosephcolumbia.org That will be followed by burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road.
Memorials to St. Joseph Church (3512 Devine Street, Columbia, SC, 29205) or Wounded Warrior Project (P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS, 66675) would be appreciated.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
Services
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Funeral Mass
Friday, February 19, 2021
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Burial
Friday, February 19, 2021
Memories
Fredrick Flynn Stork
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ADD A MEMORYKatina Goodman
February 20, 2021
Dearest Aunt Betty, Karen, Rick, and Family,
Lee and I were deeply saddened to learn about the loss of your beloved Fred. We had not heard about his declining health, so the news was unexpected.
Despite isolation and separation this past year, in my heart I still feel a deep connection to Fred, and to all of you, through our shared family experiences and fond memories from long ago. Even now, I can still see Fred’s face and hear his voice. Most of all, my heart aches for all of you, because I know how much you cherished him. He was your rock.
I think one of the most significant memories I have is how you have always been such a wonderful, sweet family! To begin with, Uncle Fred (Freddy) was clearly devoted to his precious family with a love that was simply unshakeable, and he set a high standard. You never had a reason to doubt him because he was steadfast and unwavering. You were his world.
Betty and Fred were two of the most precious love birds, pure soulmates. Unlike many other couples I knew, they were living proof that love could last a lifetime. And it flourished! What a beautiful example for the rest of us, demonstrating that with Christ at the center, being married can be elevated to the true sacrament of Marriage.
Along with family, Fred also lived a life of extreme devotion to his Church. He put his faith into practice and lived what he believed. Day in and day out, he demonstrated what it means to be a Christian. He was a generous servant to others, and he made me want to be a better Catholic.
I was able to watch the entire funeral Mass livestream, and it touched my heart. It was a beautiful and moving tribute to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and devout Christian. He will be deeply missed and always loved.
May the light of Christ shine upon Fred always, and may he rest in peace, in the arms of Jesus. Love and prayers to all who are mourning his loss. May God bless and comfort you with His everlasting love and all-abiding peace.
Christina Murphy
February 19, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with Betty and the Stork family.
Fred was a gentleman always to be remembered and admired.
It was a blessing to know him
Sister Christina Murphy, SND
Rose Anne and Crosby Livingston
February 17, 2021
Both of us are devastated by the loss of our first cousin, Freddie Stork. He was such a large part of Rose Anne's early and teen years and that relationship transformed into a loving one that included their spouses. He was a genuinely kind, honest and caring man. I never heard him say anything unkind about anyone! We will miss him but are comforted knowing that Freddie's faith and devotion to his Catholic religion have surely paved his journey into Heaven! Prayers continue for Betty Faye, Karen , Rick, Michael, Cathy and all of the grandchildren and their families.
Love,
Rose Anne and Crosby Livingston
Jack Cobb
February 17, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. I remember fondly all the times that Saleema and I ran into Fred and Betty at the Atlanta Market. I think we saw each other there more than we did in Columbia. Fred was always so friendly, so kind, and so accepting. I know his loss will be felt by not only his family but the many people that He met and passed along life's journey.
A true southern gentleman. I feel blessed to have known him
Jack Cobb
v jan middlebrooks
February 16, 2021
What a blessing to have known this sweet man. Always smiling...always caring. He will be missed by many. May the type of faith that Fred possessed help his family and friends find peace and comfort in the coming days.
jan middlebrooks
Cathy (Keeler) Lucas
February 16, 2021
So sorry to hear of Uncle Fred's passing. I have many memories of him when I was a child. I used to periodically visit for a weekend or a week with Karen when we were young children. Uncle Fred and Aunt Betty were always so kind to me. I especially remember the wonderful morning breakfasts they would cook for us. May he rest in peace.
Love and peace to the family,
Cousin Cathy (Keeler) Lucas
Eileen Sullivan
February 16, 2021
Betty & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's death. He was such a wonderful gentleman, and a devout Catholic. I loved seeing you both at Mass & talking to you afterward when you were able to come. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
John Stork
February 15, 2021
I was saddened to hear about the passing of my first cousin Fred. I had the opportunity to talk with him several times in recent years. He always spoke gently and kindly. He will certainly be missed.
Margaret Stork Bryngelson
February 15, 2021
Freddie was my 1st cousin. My parents were Bill & Anne Stork. (I am one of the twins.) Freddie was so kind to come to Augusta several times for my parents’ funerals, and I saw him at other family funerals, as well. I would like to express my deepest sympathy & Christian love to Betty Faye, Rick, & Karen. May God give you His peace & comfort.
Margaret Stork Bryngelson