Fred Emert Ward, age 60, passed away on March 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Georgetown, TX after a valiant and heroic battle with cancer. Fred was born on January 4, 1965, in Knoxville, TN.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Kimberley McBee Ward, and his devoted daughter, Emery Alexandra Ward. He also leaves behind his precious and loving brother and sister-in-law, Butch (Arthur) and Janie Rose of Knoxville, TN, beloved uncle, Bobby Reagan of West Palm Beach, FL, beloved aunt, Marcia Runyon of Georgetown, TX, and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends who are extended family.

He is preceded in death by his adored parents, Emert Decatur Ward and Sadie Elizabeth Ward, treasured in-laws, Charles McBee Jr., Vickie Sue McBee, and other close family members who have gone before him.

Fred was a devoted and wonderful husband to Kimberley for 34 years and their relationship spanned 41 years, as the two met when Fred was 18 and Kimberley was 16 cruising around Brunswick Billiards which was the local hotspot for teenagers in Knoxville, TN in the fall of 1983. Fred was also a proud and doting father to their daughter, Emery for 28 years. His family was the heart of his world, and he dedicated his life to providing for his family and ensuring their happiness. They spent time travelling, spending wonderful holidays together and soaking up every precious moment they possibly could.

An extremely hardworking and respected professional, Fred built a long and successful career in the automotive industry. He previously owned Ward and Son Auto Parts in South Knoxville with his father. He was also a previous partial owner of East Tennessee Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep in Crossville, TN before making his way from Savannah, GA to Orange County, California where he spent the last nine years living with Kimberley and Emery before returning to Georgetown, TX to receive further cancer treatment and to be with cherished family. He earned the admiration of colleagues and customers alike along the way. Outside of work, he was a passionate sports fan always sporting his orange supporting the University of Tennessee Volunteers and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers most Sundays with unwavering enthusiasm. He found great joy on the golf course, teaching his daughter, Emery, to play, while enjoying the game with her and in the company of many friends and colleagues. Fred, Kimberley and Emery played courses all across the country spanning from Maui, HI to the most southern tip of Florida.

Fred will be remembered for his love of Jesus, his kindness, devotion to his family and friends, work ethic, sense of humor, and the warmth he brought to every room. He went above and beyond to help anyone he possibly could from little children to adults. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, dedication, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who have been fortunate enough to know him.

A service to celebrate Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd in Knoxville, TN. During the service, anyone who holds a special memory of Fred is invited to share. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Bridge Community Church, 710 S Cambridge St., Orange, CA, the Pancreatic Cancer Network (PAN-CAN), the American Cancer Society, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his honor.

Isaiah 40:29-31 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.