Fred Fish

WILLOW SPRING– Glenn Frederick (Fred) Fish, 88, passed away at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh on Saturday. A native of Wake County, he was the son of the late Dorsey Herbert (D.H.) and Notie Wood Fish. Fred Smith was born 4/27/33 in Willow Spring, NC to Glenn Benton Smith and Notie Grezella Wood Fish, daughter of Della Page Wood and Rufus Washington Wood. After his parent’s divorce, Notie married D.H. Fish and he adopted Fred, changing his last name to Fish. Fred attended elementary school in Willow Spring and later Fuquay Springs High School. After high school, he attended community college in Maxton NC before transferring to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and became a lifelong Tar Heel fan. During a break from college due to a mono infection, he was drafted into the US Army. About this time, he was introduced to his beloved Frances Stancil on a double date to the movies with her sister Doris and husband Dewey Chappell. They got married on Christmas Day 1955, soon after she graduated from high school. While in the Army, they lived for a while in Alabama where he was stationed. After the Army, they returned to Willow Spring where Fred worked as a farmer in the summer and at JC Penney at North Hills during the winter. Soon after, Fred and Frances started a family with Ron in 1964, Paulby in 1966 and Jonathan in 1970. In addition to tobacco farming, Fred also worked for REA Express Company in Raleigh, a tobacco warehouse in Fuquay, and he was co-owner of a fertilizer business in Willow Spring before retiring. Fred was a charter member of New Hope Presbyterian Church. He served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. Fred also served as the local Scoutmaster in Willow Spring. Having lived in Willow Spring most of his life, Fred was well known in the community. He was hard working and dedicated to his family. He enjoyed being a father, his children have many fond memories of days at the lake on the boat, state parks, camping trips to the mountains or beach and just enjoying each other at home. After retiring, he and Frances were able to travel and enjoy their grandchildren. When Frances was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he cared for her at home, and when she needed more care than he could provide, he visited her daily at Oak Hill, faithfully going every morning to feed her breakfast. After she passed, it was Fred who needed assistance and through the care of those who loved him, he was able to remain at home. A memorial service will be held Friday at 11:00 am at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier. Inurnment will be held immediately after the service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Fuquay-Varina. Fred is survived by his sister, Marsha Yost of Virginia; children Ron Fish and wife, Kim, of Willow Spring, Paulby Fish Anderson of Fuquay-Varina; Jonathan Fish of Willow Spring; grandchildren, Taylor Fish, Jessica Fish, John Anderson, Aubrie Lewis and husband, Wesley, Landon Hueter; 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Fred was predeceased by his wife, Frances Stancil Fish; brother, Dickie Fish, and sister Billie Ruth Smith.