“Fred” Frederick D. Foy, 84 years old, of Punta Gorda, Florida, died peacefully Wednesday, July 12, 2017, from cancer, at his residence in Punta Gorda.

Fred was born in Pender County, North Carolina, the child of Francis Marion Foy and Sadie Batts Foy. Fred grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, helping his family and enjoying nearby Wrightsville Beach. He excelled in sports and was a football player for the New Hanover High School Wildcats, graduating in 1951. His relationships at NHHS followed him through the years, allowing him to continue friendships in Wilmington, even though he moved from there over sixty years ago. Fred was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda and the Keepers’ Small Group.

Fred received a football scholarship to Edwards Military Academy. He enjoyed a year there before he went on to Wilmington Junior College and then to The University of North Carolina where he received a BA in Economics in 1959. Fred has been an ardent Tarheel fan and was often seen wearing Carolina blue.

Fred served eight years in the U.S. Naval Reserves with two years active duty. He began his Naval service on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. He was part of the commissioning crew of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal and was a proud plank owner of that ship. He was an electronic technician. His tour of duty took him to the Mediterranean during the Suez Crises. Although this was stressful times, he found time to ski and explore the many southern European sites.

Fred and his wife, Sylvia, married in 1958 and celebrated their 59^th wedding anniversary June 7.   Fred was a family man and enjoyed watching his two daughters, Linda and Karen, accomplish many educational awards as well as competencies in music and art. Next came time to enjoy being a “PopPop” to grandchildren Caroline and Matthew. Family times were the best time and the loss of Fred will be great. Fred’s business trips to Lloyds of London allowed Fred and Sylvia the chance to expand these trips to driving trips throughout Europe. They also enjoyed many cruises, with Fred most enjoying rounding Cape Horn and the Straits of Magellan. Fred and Sylvia spent most of their married years in Florida but also lived in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina before moving to Florida in 1970.

Fred was an avid boater and fisherman. His bedroom wall is decorated with awards and pictures of prize winning fish. He was a master at roasting oysters.   He also spent time hunting in Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.   While living in Orlando, Fred enjoyed singing lead in Barbershop with the award winning Orlando Chapter of the Sunshine District.

Fred’s 40 year career spanned many aspects of insurance claims where he worked as an adjuster and rose to management and executive positions with Custard Insurance Adjusters. Fred was past-president of the Staunton, Virginia, Mid-Valley Claims Association.   Fred was also president of the Staunton Jaycees where he brought significant events and changes to the community.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sylvia Roup Foy, his daughter, Linda Viola Foy of Twin Bridges, Montana; his daughter, Karen Foy Grossman, son-in-law David Wood Grossman, and grandson, Matthew Charles Grossman, residents of Miami and his granddaughter Caroline Grace Grossman of Columbia, Missouri. Also surviving are his nephews, Francis Marion Foy, III and Phillip Rodney Foy of Wilmington, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Marion Foy; mother, Sadie Batts Foy and brother, Francis Marion Foy, Jr. of Wilmington, North Carolina.

Fred felt his life had been blessed in many ways. He loved his family and appreciated the many good times he had with neighbors and friends. He was always honest and true and could be depended on to accomplish a goal. He will be remembered lovingly by many.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roberson Funeral Homes Punta Gorda Chapel, 215 Mary Street, on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. A Celebration of Life service for Fred will be held at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, 507 W. Marion Ave., on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. Committal and burial with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Navy will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL, at 2 p.m., also on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda, 507 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, Fl 33950 or Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fl 34238.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes, Punta Gorda Chapel.