He was born Nov. 24, 1950, to Johnnie Benjamin (“Jake”) and Pauline Frederick, who preceded him in death.
Though Johnnie was born and died in Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith was his hometown. Johnnie was just two years old when the family moved for his father to take a job at Randall Ford. Johnnie attended St. Boniface Catholic School and graduated from St. Anne’s Academy in 1968. After two years at Westark Community College, he transferred to the University of Arkansas and graduated with a degree in Accounting and earned his CPA. Johnnie started his career at Touche Ross accounting firm in Tulsa. He got involved in the Catholic community, and through a church singles group met the love of his life, Theresa. They married May 14, 1977, and settled in Tulsa where they raised their four children.
Johnnie truly loved his profession and spent 15 years as the Chief Financial Officer of Horner Foods (now Reasor’s) in Tulsa. In 1994, he was recognized by the University of Arkansas as the accountant of the year. His final role was CFO of WeatherBarr, which allowed him to return home to Fort Smith. He retired in 2019.
An avid baseball fan, Johnnie and Theresa spent three decades working their way across the U.S. to attend a game at every MLB ballpark – an adventure they completed in 2022 in Seattle. Johnnie also loved music. His collection of records and CDs was vast and varied, and he enjoyed sharing his favorites with family and friends. Johnnie was always up for a game of cards or dominoes, a good hamburger, and cheering on the Razorbacks. After moving back to Arkansas, he made an annual visit to Fayetteville to walk the campus and show his grandchildren his name on the sidewalk. He was a very proud U of A graduate.
Johnnie is survived by his wife, Theresa; son Johnnie (“Jake”) Frederick and wife Shannon of Rogers; son Joe Frederick and wife April of Pineville, Mo.; daughter Cheryl Craven and husband Trey of Rogers; daughter Sarah Lum and husband Victor of Fayetteville; and five grandchildren, Allyson, Johnnie (“Ben”), Max and Amelia Frederick, and Ted Craven.
A visitation and rosary will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith. Interment will be at Rose Lawn-Holy Park Cemetery, with arrangements under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville or the Johnnie B. and Pauline L. Frederick Endowed Award at the University of Arkansas.
