Fred died June 13, 1995, in Hendersonville, Virginia. He was born April 1, 1929, in Powhatan, VA. He graduated from Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg and earned a bachelor's degree in Forestry from Virginia State University. Fred served in the Korean War with the 32nd Infantry.

He had a 36-year career with the USFS retiring in 1990 with positions held in three Virginia Ranger Districts. He jumped at Missoula during the 1952 season.