- On October 16, 2020; George F. (Fred) Pride, with his wife and companion Nellie at his side, went to be with the Lord at the age of 88. A grave side service is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5th at the Willows Cemetery. A gathering of friends will follow at Nellie's home at 2859 County Road 308 Elk Creek. Born on July 17, 1932, to George A. and Nancy S. (Dovie) Pride in Los Angeles, he was the youngest of seven children. When Fred was several months old, the family moved to Trimmer, Ca. in Eastern Fresno County. Growing up with the Kings River out the front door and the Sierra Nevada Mountains out the back, Fred developed a love for the outdoors, especially stream fishing and deer hunting that he maintained throughout his entire life. After graduating High School, he obtained employment with the US Forest Service as a laborer on a Survey Crew that began a 60 year Survey career that included federal, county, and private employment, as well as his own Survey business. Fred served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 being deployed to Korea as a Forward Artillery Observer during 1953. Though he never spoke much of his combat experience, he often joked that he acquired the ability to sleep/nap for just a few moments under just about any sort of circumstance. He also gained a huge dislike for snow and the cold. Upon his release from the Army, his work with the Forest Service brought him back to Elk Creek area, where he married Juanita Millsap in 1955. They had three children and were married for over 60 years. The two oldest children were both born with cystic fibrosis and had brief but influential lives, reminding everyone around them how precious time and time with their loved ones is. After Juanita's passing in 2015, Fred met Nellie Westerman, another widower at the local Elk Creek Community Church. They were married on December 1st, .2018. Though their time together was short and fraught with health issues, they enjoyed what time God provided for them to have together. Fred, especially in his younger years was very active in in the local community, having served on the soil conservation board, School Board, and as a County Supervisor to mention few. Though any contributions to a charity of your choice in his name would be great, the gift of your time as a volunteer is even greater. Fred was pre-deceased by his parents, George and Dovie Pride; brothers Vernon, Leonard, and Oliver (Jack) ; sister s Violet, Lela, and Sylvia; Daughter Debra and son Douglass; and Wife Juanita. He is survived by his wife Nellie; son Daryl (Lorrie) ; Grandsons Dan (Tori) and Logan; and Great Grandson Cade and Kendrick. He is also survived by Step Daughters Annmarie, Andrea and Marissa and their families.
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