A hero/Icon/Champion has flown- a synopsis of the eulogy, tributes and sermon for Uncle Fred

WOW! WHAT A MAN!
Words echoed by every tribute giver, by the former and current parliamentary Representatives of the Constituency of West St George throughout the eulogy, by members of the Fountain Seventh Day Adventist Church, and by the presiding Pastor lan Williams.

Edward ‘Uncle/Bro Fred’ Williams (Ollivierre) developed the dreaded condition Polio at a very early age which limited his body from being able to bend from the neck downwards. But, that was his only limitation as Uncle Fred, not only defied all logic, but went on to live a very full and productive life to the age of 94 years.

Despite this severe challenge Uncle Fred simply deflected and diverted to become a multitalented “Man of all trades” and a successful entrepreneur. These comments, offered at his home going/thanksgiving service on 28th May, 2023 captured his life story:

Incredible, he was born on October 15, 1928 and lived to the fullest up to the ripe old age of 94.

He lived on his own and did all things most of his life and went beyond by preparing meals for his neighbours, friends, family and his church.

He had no children but had many as he adopted and parented many as if his own.

He went to secure copio (his favourite craft material) and prepared it, put it out to dry (his neighbours would run to take them out of the rain). From this he made bags, baskets, mats, fans, trays, hats, rocking chairs and much more.

He also specialized in making flowers from wire and colored paper and gifted bouquets to many homes.

Uncle Fred could fix anything – broken and he would repair it.

He sold sweets, personal and household items, and he was best known for always having kerosene. “It was as if he had his own kerosene factory, when everyone else was out Uncle Fred will always have stock.”

‘He asked me to send hair grease to sell’, said one tribute giver and when I came home and visited, he presented me with a bank book of over $4,000.00 and told me that was for me, his was put aside differently’.

Another tribute giver said – “this rich entrepreneurial life should be captured in book form and used as a reference and teaching moment for students”.

So developed were his senses that he could detect a passer-by from his/her footsteps and a visitor from their voice from a distance, said another.

As he lay in bed, he would manipulate a small mirror and see his visitors as they entered the compound and would greet them by name as they neared the door, the tributes went on.

The church, anyone, will go to inspire and encourage Uncle Fred, but more often than not they would leave being as motivated by Fred as opposed to by the visitor.

In his earlier years Uncle Fred would swing on his slings (walkers) from his home (ten minutes away) to the church and would be the first to arrive. He would take his seat and the children had to be orderly when they came in, said the representative of the Church.

But not only was he present, he led worship singing and he taught Sabbath class at the church. He had the voice of an angel on earth, were the reflections of everyone.

He taught himself how to read from the Bible and used the Holy Book as teaching material to young and old.

He had the clearest voice on radio. He was a solid party man (politics). So when he called in on his party’s station it was always a well thought out and articulated contribution supported of course by the scriptures.

So devoted was he to his party that he insisted on going to the polls and casting his vote albeit having to be taken there on a stretcher.

Uncle Fred was named an Unsung Hero in St Vincent and the Grenadines by the CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank group in 2012.

So it all came together at the celebration service – the song selection, the lively singing, the colourful tributes, the fully reflective eulogy and then the message. “When a man dies will he live again?’. The answer was a resounding YES. Uncle Fred claimed the Good Book as his own, he learned by it, he taught by it, referred and referenced to it, worshipped by it and lived by the Holy Book. Pastor Williams labelled his namesake A CHAMPION.

Uncle Fred, fought a good fight, he certainly kept the faith, lived a great life and now he has completed the course. RIP you ICON, you HERO, you CHAMPION.
WOW! WHAT A MAN!

Cecil McKie