Fred Daniel Painter

Fred Daniel Painter passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years old on Monday, November 3, 2025, in his home, surrounded by love. He was born on October 11, 1937, to Ralph and Agnes Painter in Ellijay, Georgia. Fred spent his younger years in the Georgia Mountains helping farm corn and doing what any young boy did back then, from swinging from the trees to jumping in the creek. When Fred became of age, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas. It was here that he met the love of his life, Josie Hale, outside of the movie theater where she worked. And on November 15, 1959, Fred and Josie were married, and their love story led to the birth of their three children: Tony, Steven, and Cara, who they adored. Their adventure together led them to travel to Abilene, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; Ellijay, Georgia; and finally back to where their love story began in Big Spring, Texas. During their journey together, a dear friend, Ted Phillips, offered them guidance and advice, recommending that they become guardians of their grandson. Fred and Josie joyfully and lovingly agreed and took this advice, becoming the guardians of their grandson, Chris, which turned out to be a great blessing to both them and their grandson.

Fred grew up spending time outside, and until his passing, his favorite time was spent outdoors, enjoying the sun. He loved to do yard work, work on cars, especially Volkswagens, volunteer at the church, help family and friends, and basically do anything he could outside. He was a Deacon and a well-known one, having served at various churches in Big Spring, Texas, over the years.

When Fred's health began to decline in April 2024, he and Josie made the mutual decision to move to Katy, Texas, to live with their son, Chris, and his family. For a while, Fred had regained his spark and loved to go outside and help his son, Chris, work on cars. Nearing the end of his life, his faith was tested, but he never gave up. His Dementia began to get the best of him, but it was a blessing because he would spend time reminiscing and talking about his past and family, which was the one thing that made him so happy at the end. He was always surrounded by so much joy and love, and Josie never left his side, not even for a moment. Chris and his wife, Melodie, lovingly took on the responsibility of being his sole caregivers along with his amazing Hospice team. For Chris and his family, there were some hard and challenging times, but also moments of laughter, joy, and wonderful memories during this period. God gave so much guidance, love, strength, and grace, especially to Melodie, to be able to navigate his complex medical care. During this time together, it became a blessing for Melodie and Fred, as they became very close. She read the Bible to him every day, and they shared a strong faith, which proved to be a blessing in disguise for both of them and the entire family. Then one afternoon, God finally called Fred home, and he answered the call.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Agnes Painter (Ellijay, GA), two brothers Austin Panter (Cartersville, GA) and Ed Painter (Dunn, NC); 5 sister Winnie (Ellijay, GA), Ola (Ellijay, GA), Nell (Ellijay, GA), Jo (Ellijay, GA) and Jean (Catersville, GA). His two sons, Tony and Steven Painter (Big Spring, TX), and a granddaughter, Stephanie Painter (San Angelo, TX).

Fred is survived by his loving wife Josie Painter (Katy, TX), one son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Melodie Painter (Katy, TX), one daughter and son-in-law, Cara and Frank Wilson (Big Spring, TX), grandchildren Dusty, Daniel, Kyle and Duncan (Big Spring, TX), Evangelina Josie Painter (Katy, TX) and Elijah Brac Painter (Katy, TX) and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins and family.