Frederick "Fred" Williams

Frederick “Fred” Williams was born on April 25th, 1981 in Camden, New Jersey to Diane Maxwell (Hopes) and Fred Williams. 

Fred had a personality that filled the room. He was filled with humor, political knowledge, wit, and modesty of his many talents and achievements. Those who had the privilege of knowing, loving, and spending time with him left those experiences and relationships better. Fred made those around him feel valued, capable, loved, supported, encouraged to overcome hardship, and empowered to succeed. He continuously made others feel happy and fulfilled, regardless of the effort.  

Fred grew up in New Jersey where his interest in police work began. In middle school, he joined the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training (JROTC) where he partnered with the Pine Hill, New Jersey Police Department. After his first deployment with the United States Army, the mayor of Pine Hill signed a Declaration that the town would recognize SGT Frederick Williams Day annually. 

Fred retired honorably from the United States Army in 2013 as a Sergeant First Class. He served 13 years in the military as a team leader, squad leader, K-9 handler, kennel master, platoon sergeant, and operations NCO. He served at Fort Polk -  2000 - 2007 and Fort Campbell- 2007 - 2013. With tours of duty including Operation Noble Eagle Military District of Washington - 2001, Operation Iraqi Freedom - 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom - 2006, Operation Iraqi Freedom - 2009, and Operation New Dawn Iraq - 2011. 

During his career, Fred earned multiple honors and recognitions. In 2017, he received the highest honor bestowed upon military police officers, the Bronze Marechaussee, which as of June 2020, there have only been 2,801 recipients of this award. Additionally, he earned a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, Four Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal with 5 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Three Army NCO Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Three Army Overseas Service Ribbons, Army Valorous Unit Citation Award, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. He also earned the Combat Action Badge and the coveted Air Assault Badge. 

Following his career in the United States Army, Fred pursued his passion of education and politics. In 2016, Fred graduated Magna Cum Laude earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Austin Peay State University where he was part of 17 clubs and organizations. Fred planned to complete the LSAT and apply to law school. He was hoping to use this degree to work in politics with the mission of improving the life of and serving veterans of the United States Military. 

In 2005, Fred met Nichole who became his wife in 2007. Together, they built a home in Clarksville, Tennessee where they enjoyed life with their 23 animals. They loved to challenge each other - building a life that celebrated their individual goals, as well as enriched the life and love they shared. They enjoyed traveling and dreamed upon Nichole’s retirement from the military, where she currently serves as a Captain, of moving to the Caribbean where Nichole would continue to practice Veterinary Medicine and they would continue working together to save and nurture animals. 

Fred through his service with the military was fortunate to connect with so many people who became friends, many of whom he and Nichole invited into their home and became part of the family they built. Fred’s two siblings, Michelle (of New Jersey) and Jenny (who followed him to Tennessee) - remained close - with a deep bond to memories of his guiding role in their childhood. Family members from New Jersey, Delaware, and New York often traveled to Tennessee just to stay at Fred and Nichole’s home - because once you were there - there was nowhere else you needed to be or anything you wished to have. Fred prepared for everyone thoughtfully and built a home that made all who visited feel welcome. 

Though Fred physically left us on July 3rd, 2020, his love, life, and spirit will carry on through the memories, the legacy of all of his hard work and success, and with the people with which he shared his life and light. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 11th, 2020 at 4:00 PM at the Chapel of Neal-Tarpley-Parchman. Visitation will be Saturday, July 11th, 2020 from 2:00 PM until the hour of service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to one of the following organizations to continue to shine awareness on PTSD, veteran suicide, and Behcet’s Disease: Hope For The Warriors, Wounded Warrior Project, American Behcet’s Disease Association, Project Sanctuary. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.  Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.

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