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Dec 28th, 1930 - Apr 18th, 2022Graveside Ceremony: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Elmwood Cemetery
Fred Eugene “Strawberry” Gifford, age 91, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away early Monday morning, April 18, 2022, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
He was born December 28, 1930, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the son of William Everett and Vada Viola (France) Gifford. He was united in marriage to Eloise Burgess Phillips on January 1, 1994, and together they have shared 28 wedding anniversaries.
Fred was raised in Hillsboro, later moving to Clay County at the age of 18 with his foster parents Humphrey and Evelyn Thomas. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Korea and Japan where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Throughout his life Fred farmed, worked at various factories, Norge, Valley Steel, and later retired after 30 years at AMF. He and Eloise ran a strawberry patch for many years. He was a member of the Flora First Baptist Church, Flora Masonic Lodge, and Clay County Shrine Club. He enjoyed watching westerns, fishing, going for drives in the country, and eating at Grandma’s Kitchen and the Tin Cup.
He is survived by his wife: Eloise Gifford of Clay City; step-children: Norman Phillips of Flora, Janet (Mark) Weber of Flora, Joncia Phillips of Flora, Barbara (Wesley) Gray of Passport, and Cathy (Gary) Pryor of Waynesville, Missouri; step-grandchildren: Thomas (Kristal) Phillips, Daniel (Haley) Gray, Crystal (Zeb) Lewis, Douglas Gray, Shannon Gray, John (Allison) Pryor, Kristin Pryor, Matthew Pryor, and Kimberly Pryor; step-great-grandchildren: Mark Phillips, Tanner Roberts, Zaiden Lewis, Azaira Lewis, and Ryleigh Gray; brother: William “Bill” Gifford of Hillsboro; sister: Julie Gifford; and his faithful companion, his cat Darkie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; and 4 brothers: Roland, Jerry, Richard, and Jessie Gifford.
A graveside ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Elmwood Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors. Bill Atwood will officiate. Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospice and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
Eloise & Family: We’re very sorry for your loss. Please know that you’re all in our prayers.
Eloise: You are in prayer. With sincere sympathy
I met Freddie at Grandma's kitchen. Such a nice guy, always worried that we were working too hard. He will be missed especially on Tuesdays.
So sorry for your loss Eloise. Fred was such a sweet man and he will be missed. You were a wonderful part of his life.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless.
Remember him and his wife riding their lil dirt bike when I was on my 4wheeler... Always enjoyed talking to Fred. Prayers to all family and friends
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
