Fred H. Pike's Obituary
Fred Hampton Pike, 88, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at Legacy Ridge Alpharetta under Agape Hospice Care.
Memorial services will be 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 4th, 2023, at The American Legion Post 201, Alpharetta, GA, with a luncheon provided from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Drinks will be on Fred, per his request. Everyone is invited and encouraged to get up and share their memories, love, laughter, and stories about Fred. He wanted it no other way. Burial will be at Georgia National Cemetery later. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Pike, Marvin (JR) Green, Tommy Jones, Allen Dudley, Randy Thatcher, and Barry Greenway.
Fred Hampton Pike was born on August 8th, 1934, to Pauline and Howard Pike in Inman, South Carolina. After graduating from Inman High School in 1952, Fred joined the United States Military. He served in the United States Navy from 1952 - 1955 as an Aviation Machinist Mate Airman (ADAN). Then Fred served in the United States Air Force from 1956 – 1960 as an Airman First Class and Air Traffic Controller.
On January 21st, 1956, Fred married Phyllis Miriam Floyd of Inman, South Carolina. They relocated to East Point, Georgia, in 1960, where Fred worked as an Air Traffic Controller for the Atlanta Center. Their first son, Jeff, was born in 1961, followed by their second son, Pat, in 1966. In 1966 they relocated to Forest Park, Georgia.
In 1971, Fred earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, and then retired from The Atlanta Center in 1975.
Fred dreamed for many years of owning a sailboat and learning to sail. After graduating from The Lanier Sailing Academy in 1978, he purchased his first sailboat, a CAL 27, which he christened, 'Tiger.' Immediately, sailing became his life's passion and would remain so for the rest of his life. 'Tiger' was docked at H-Dock at Aqualand Marina at Lake Lanier, where she remained until 1990 when Fred sold her for a bigger boat, a CAL 32.' Sailing, socializing at H-Dock, and racing with The Lake Lanier Sailing Club gave Fred many happy memories throughout the 1980s, '90s, and early 2000s. Then, when Fred was 60, he took a single-handed sailing trip to Bermuda and back, covering 490 miles. The well-documented journey and story were published in Sail Magazine.
In 1981, Fred decided to return to the workforce, and he worked for Georgia Child Protective Services from 1981 - 1996. In 1989, Fred and Phyllis divorced, and Fred relocated to Alpharetta, Georgia. In 1996, in Inman, South Carolina, he married Terri Jane Cross, who was affectionately known to Fred as Miss 'T'.
From 1992 until Miss 'T' passed away on September 27th, 2011, the year's highlight for all family members was the annual Family Christmas dinner at Fred's house, with Fred and Miss 'T’ preparing for this meaningful holiday tradition months in advance. In Miss 'T's honor, the tradition continued after her passing until December 2022.
After the passing of Miss 'T', Fred could be seen almost every day at AJ's Cafeteria in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he proudly wore his military attire and received an occasional free lunch. After lunch, he usually drove to The American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta, where he was a long-time, regular, and beloved member. The Waffle House and Another Broken Egg, located in Alpharetta, were also brunch favorites for Fred.
Being a lifelong voracious, educated reader and philosopher, Fred was regularly active in the Book Club at The American Legion and would often host the get-togethers in his home.
Fred suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and vascular dementia in March 2015. His declining health eventually led him to leave his home and move into Legacy Ridge Assisted Living in Alpharetta, Georgia, in August of 2021. Although it was initially difficult for Fred to adjust, he soon came around and was proud to call Legacy Ridge his home. Like everywhere Fred went, he was very loved and a large part of the community at Legacy Ridge.
In the fall of 2022, Fred's health started to decline further when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Fred suffered several bad falls, and after seven and a half years of hospitals and rehabilitation centers, he decided that enough was enough. He chose to remain at Legacy Ridge and let life take its natural course. Fred passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 15th, 2023, at 5:13 am at his home at Legacy Ridge, surrounded by members of his loving family, Pat Pike, Jeff Pike, and Kathy Mullen.
He is survived by two sons Jeff Pike (Kathy Mullen) of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Patrick Pike (Sandra Henry) of Manchester, Georgia; two grandchildren, Maxwell Pike and Ashton Pike (Blake) Schuck; Phyllis Pike, Sarah Pike Loggins, and Ryan Heard along with many nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Terri; his parents, Howard and Pauline; and his three siblings, Joe, Elyse, and Nancy.
You may send flowers to the American Legion for the service or donate to one of Fred's Charities, the American Legion Post 201, or Mullen's Miracles (www.mullensmiracles.org)
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