CONNOR JR., Fred Jackson

FRED J. CONNOR JR (affectionately known as Freddy) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. From the day he was born, Fred was always a force to be reckoned with, so it was no surprise when he faced the disease he would eventually succumb to just as fiercely as any other challenge. In true fashion he managed to keep his sense of humor and stay strong through it all like a true hero.

Fred was a Retired Army Veteran serving 22 years as a Medic, Emergency Response Technician and then a Recruiter. Upon his military retirement Fred pursued a LPN Nursing degree which led him to several employment opportunities at multiple Nursing Facilities across Lakeland, Fl. Fred retired a second time after many years as a Nurse so that he could kick back and enjoy his multiple rounds of golf and cruising the streets on his Harley, except he wouldn’t stay retired for long as his desire for service before self would prompt him once again into the workforce. This time Fred would find himself with an opportunity volunteering and eventually working for Volunteers In Service To The Elderly more commonly known as VISTE in Lakeland, FL. When asked what he actually did for VISTE he would affectionately say that he was ‘working with the oldies’ or ‘driving the Miss Daisy’s’, he often shared that VISTE just might have been his favorite employment he’d ever had. Fred worked for VISTE until his symptoms required him to retire a final time.

Fred had a lot of different hobbies over the course of his lifetime, he loved to fish, go to the beach, ride his Harley Davidson and golf. He was one heck of a golfer, his all time best round of golf was a 67 with 5 under par. And luck be the Irish cause he had not ONE not TWO but THREE HOLE in ONES during his lifetime. One of his hole in ones occurred on 12 April 1997 at Plant City Golf Course. They presented him with a 1997 Ferrari Testarossa when he sunk that one.

One thing about Fred with all his hobbies also came a lot of hats in his life; he wore baseball hats, Army uniform hats, German alpine hiking hats, golf hats, Harley Davidson hats, beach hats, however the most important were the hats he wore for his family. The hat of a Son, a Husband, a Dad, a Grandpa, a Great Grandpa and a best friend.

Fred will sorely be missed however his memories will be carried on and shared through his many friends and family.

Fred leaves to carry on his memory;
His loving Momma Pauline Martin Connor.
His first wife, caretaker and friend Candace Berlin.
His two children; Christopher Connor (Amy) and Katrina Hill (Greg).
His five grandchildren; Javan Connor, D’Arcy Watson, Gregory Hill, Kahlia Hill and Kadija Hill.
His great granddaughter Lucy Vedder.
And a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and extended family and friends.
And lastly but certainly not least his two very best friends; Uncle Mike Howell and Norman Gosler.

Fred was preceded in death by his Father Fred J Connor Sr as well as several favorite Aunt’s and Uncle’s.

Family and friends are welcome to attend Fred’s service 13 May 2023 from 4-6 pm at
Cremations of Greater Tampa Bay
110 N. MacDill Avenue Tampa Fl 33609

Repass/Dinner following the service from 7-9pm at
Dover Advent Christian Church Fellowship Hall
14202 Downing Street
Dover Fl 33527