William Frederick "Fred" Chambers was born in Athens, Alabama on August 16, 1924 and lived in Florence, Alabama most of his life. He died peacefully on May 15, 2011. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Elkins Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral service will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 700 North Wood Avenue, Florence. The Reverend Carl Gebhardt will conduct the service. Interment will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.
Fred graduated from Coffee High School and the University of Alabama. He served in the U.S. Army, and fought for his country in World War II.
He owned and operated The Corner Fruit Market, the original convenience store in Florence, established by Fred''s father, James Alfred "Fred" Chambers. The store''s motto was "Most Anything, Most Anytime", and Fred delivered on that promise. Fred was an active member of the First Christian Church. An avid and accomplished golfer, he was also known for his wry sense of humor.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents James Alfred and Helen Chambers, brother Edward Meadows, and sister Elizabeth Perkins. His beloved wife of 51 years, Jenny, died in 1998.
He is survived by three sons, Bill and wife Sheila of Tucson, Arizona, David and wife Pam of Pueblo, Colorado, and Alan and partner Scott Avery of Warsaw, Indiana; grandchildren Chet and wife Izetta, Mona and partner Christopher, Josh, Sara and husband Brian; great-grandchildren Noah Frederick, and Lovina Violet; niece Dianne Bernier; nephews Jimmy Meadows and wife Lyndia, and Bob Meadows and wife Joan; five grand nieces and nephews, seven great-grand nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Eric Plunk, Josh Chambers, Bill Chambers, Jimmy Meadows, Bob Meadows and Brian Johnson. Honorary bearers will be Bill Batson, Maurice Cox, Bill Watson and Charles Cox.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Florence.