Fred Alton Puckett Jr.'s Obituary
Fred Alton Puckett, Jr., born March 25, 1926, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, in Oregon City, Oregon. Fred's life was distinguished by his dedicated military service during World War II and the Korean conflict, and by his deep love for his family.
He was the only child born of the marriage of Fred Alton Puckett and Sally Gertrude Ferguson Puckett Spears. After they divorced, he gained many siblings through their subsequent marriages.
Fred enlisted in the Army in November 1944 in San Francisco. During World War II, he bravely served in Japan and the Philippines, sustaining injuries from a bomb explosion which resulted in a neck injury and hearing loss. He was discharged as a corporal in November of 1946 and enlisted in the Navy in 1948, serving until May 1953. While in the Navy, he completed his GED, film school, submarine school, and served on multiple submarines during the Korean War.
Following his military service, Fred pursued various careers, including working at Commercial Credit in Southern California as a loan officer and office manager for over 25 years. He later worked in sales for sign companies. He was married to Irene J. Farkas Puckett. They later divorced.
On July 15, 1978, he married Betty Mae Gardner Farasy in La Mesa, California. They had grown up in the Pine Bluff area of Arkansas and years later reconnected while Betty was visiting her mother in Rison. They were married for 35 years before Betty passed away in 2013. As avid travelers, they enjoyed trips to Alaska and Hawaii and especially loved visiting her children and grandchildren, which he thought of as his own. Fred was a sports enthusiast. He passionately followed the San Diego Chargers as a long-time season ticket holder. He enjoyed any football game on TV along with various other televised sports.
Fred is survived by his sister Mary Lou Brewer of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, his stepchildren, Christine Flynn (Roger), Margaret Ryan (Steve), Anthony Farasy, Lisa Peterson, and Michelle Schwartzberg (Nate), his grandchildren Dawn Flynn-Hopp, Caitlin Liddycoat, Ricky Farasy, Gabe Christian, Elizabeth Weckstein, Nicole Lervolino, Jessie Elizares, Matthew Peterson, Sarah Creamer, Gayle and Joshua Schwartzberg and nine-great-grandchildren.
He was a beloved grand- and great-grandfather, fondly known as "Grandpa" by them all. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of service, love for family, and zest for life will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
He was pre-deceased by his half-sister Patricia Elaine Martin of North Little Rock, Arkansas, half-brother Daniel L. Spears of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, his stepson Richard Farasy and step-granddaughter, Shannon Eckert Flynn.
Services will be held Thursday June 27th, 2024, at 3:00PM at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Boulevard, Portland Oregon 97086. Fred would appreciate donations to the charity of your choice.
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