Fred was born on February 2, 1946 in Paterson, New Jersey to Gerrit and Grace (Van Orden) Van Leeuwen. Fred married his high school sweetheart, Christine (Chris) Williams, on January 23, 1964. Fred had spent a lot of time on the farm growing up. He decided he was done milking cows and wanted to serve his country, so he joined the Navy in 1964. Fred was a dedicated Navy sailor, serving in Vietnam, completing multiple tours of duty with helicopter squadrons on aircraft carriers overseas and specialized in anti-submarine warfare. Fred retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander after 26 years. He then went on to serve his community through various roles focused on helping others with job placement. In 2006, Fred retired from his career as the Clay County Veterans Service Officer, a job he found very rewarding. Fred loved nothing more than to help others!
Fred was preceded in death by his sweet wife, Chris. He leaves behind his sister, Bette Jane Newlin; his 2 children, Fred Jr. and wife, Lisa Van Leeuwen and Amy (Van Leeuwen) Wagner; his grandchildren Nicole, Dennis, Ashley, Brandi, Cieara, Alan, Abbie, and Mandy; and his great-grandchildren, Madison, David, Melody, Daniel, Harper, Dom, and Jayden.
Fred was delighted by all things nature. Every creature was a friend and all flowers were noticed. In his spare time, Fred loved watching sports, traveling back roads, fishing, public speaking, and spending time with Christine, his kids and grandkids. The kids all loved their Papa very much. Fred always had kind words to share; words of comfort, wisdom, humor and advice.
A memorial service will be held on January 25, 2021 at 10:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Fred will be laid to rest at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL. The committal service will begin at 2:30 pm.
Fred touched so many lives and left this world a better, brighter place.
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