Frederick - Gary James Frederick, age 82, of Hilliard, FL, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Gary was born on October 8, 1939, in DuQuoin, Illinois and was the oldest of 4 children.  His parents were Don Adrian Frederick and Ematine Elizabeth Bauer Frederick.

He graduated from Oblong Township High School in Oblong, Illinois. He then served in the United States Navy from 1958-1962 where he was stationed in Jacksonville, FL, met his bride to be and started a family.  Upon completion of his Naval service, Gary began a 40-year career as a bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines and retired in 2004.  He received a multitude of safe driver awards over the years and crisscrossed the Southeastern United States during his years with Greyhound.

Gary married his wife, Virginia Sue Chamblin, in 1961 and soon relocated to Hialeah, Florida with Greyhound Bus Lines.  In his early years, Gary was raised in rural Illinois and grew up in a farm community.  He spent many summers on a working farm raising hogs and showing them at the state fair.  It was these early experiences that motivated Gary and Sue to purchase twenty acres in the small town of Hilliard, FL in 1971.  He truly enjoyed the small-town experience, fishing the St. Mary's River, riding his motorcycle on the backroads and being a friend and neighbor to his community. Many afternoons would find Gary perched on top of his tractor mowing or teaching his daughters and grandchildren how to fish, enjoy nature and appreciate the simple things.  Gary loved reading, especially westerns and mysteries.  After retiring from Greyhound, Gary spent his days enjoying his grandchildren, wife and furry friends.  His loving spirit and kind heart will live on in his family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue Chamblin Frederick; 2 daughters: Kelly Frederick Morris, Columbia, SC and Kimberly Frederick Meyer (Rob) Atlanta, GA; 5 grandchildren: Kyle Morris (Penny) Jacksonville, FL, Caitlyn Morris McIlwain (Carlos), York, PA, Austin Zimmerman, Yulee, FL, Aidan Meyer, Atlanta, GA, and Callan Meyer, Atlanta, GA; and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sherri Frederick Crawford, Rockford, IL (Tom – deceased), brother Don Oren Frederick (Sheryl), brother P.K. Frederick (Shelly), and his beloved pets Loosy, Buster and Molly.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Don and Ematine Frederick.

Gary's ashes will be laid to rest next to his parents at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in DuQuoin, Illinois, in the fall of 2022.  A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held at a later date in Hilliard, Florida.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice https://www.communityhospice.com/give/ in Gary's name. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida, 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.