Fred H. Friedman

“I should like to help everyone if possible, Jew, gentile, black man, white. We all want to help one another, human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness, not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful.”

-C. Chaplin

Freddie Friedman spent his life seeing only the best in people. He approached each day with a friendly smile and a generous heart. Those that knew him, recall his kindness, intellect and generosity. But those who knew him best, remember how those virtues came to be. The son of a modest shop owner, Freddie was an only child. He attended Ramsay high school and would ultimately graduate from the University of Alabama. However, during that time he was drafted into the Korean War. He proudly served his country on the homefront. Eventually, he transformed the family business into a successful wholesale jewelry company

called Magnolia Diamonds.

Through this success, and with the support of his loving wife Brenda, Freddie was able to pursue his true passion: philanthropy. He was a fan of the underdog, and it gave him immense satisfaction to lend a helping hand, no matter race, religion or past disagreement.

His family foundation sparked the potential of so many lives.

He built a beautiful temple, but asked for no acclaim.

He hired black employees when it was a sensitive time, but asked for no forgiveness.

He built a beautiful life. A life that taught a son to laugh and take it all in stride. A life that taught an adoring daughter how a good husband and father was meant to act. Most of all, he gave his nurturing, incredible wife his heart and soul—watching their three grandchildren grow happy and healthy.

He composed a wonderful life, and had no regrets.

Please make memorials to Birmingham Holocaust Education Committee, Temple Emanu-El, Keneseth Israel, Chabad, Jewish Family Services.