Fred B. Waidelich

Born in New Jersey on July 5, 1941, Fred grew up in Atlanta Ga. He was the oldest son of the late Bill and Irene Waidelich of Decatur, Ga. He graduated from Marist High School in Atlanta and then St. Bernard’s College in Cullman, Ala. After serving in the United States Army, he moved to Jackson, Miss.

A great day for Fred was to drink coffee at Cups, play a round of tennis at the Courthouse, and then visit with his daughter’s family. He was a devoted father and grandfather known as “Pop-Pop” and his two grandkids absolutely adored him. He’d visit with them several times a week. If he was lucky enough to end the day with a dinner of his son-in-law’s redfish, it made things all the better.

Everyone who knew Fred will remember his fabulous sense of humor. He loved to tell a good joke and would often do so at either of his two favorite watering holes, Poets or Scrooges. He could work a mean crossword puzzle, too. He loved jazz, collected art, loved to read and was an avid sports fan of every type. He’d take pleasure in catching a tennis, baseball or football game on television, and he cheered hard for the New Orleans Saints, in particular. Fred had recently discovered Facebook and very much enjoyed connecting and re-connecting with so many.

On the morning of April 23rd, Fred was playing tennis and suffered a fatal heart attack. It was a beautiful day, and he was doing what he loved most. He was a friend to many and will be greatly missed.

Fred is survived by his daughter, Amy Fowler (Donald), grandchildren Presley and Waide, brother Bill Waidelich (Elaine) of Atlanta, Ga., sister Barrye Kirk (Mark) of Marietta, Ga., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred’s life will be celebrated at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home, at 350 High Street in Jackson, Miss. on Friday, April 27th, with visitation at 12:30 p.m. and a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Mustard Seed Babies’ Home in care of the Mustard Seed Project, 1305 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.