On a quiet morning in Macon, Mississippi, the world lost a remarkable man, Fred Gilkey, Jr., devoted husband, loving father, entrepreneur, and man of faith.  His life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering determination.

Born into humble beginnings, Fred, Jr, was the beloved son of Fred Gilkey, Sr., and Rose Calhoun Gilkey.  He had to learn responsibility at an early age due to his mother having cancer.  And being the eldest of six children, he was thrust into being the main support for the family.  That is where he obtained his perseverance.

Fred possessed a curious mind and taught himself the skills that would carry him through a lifetime of hard work and success.  With vison and grit, he carved his own path in life, eventually becoming a successful business owner.  However, Fred's job at Noxubee Tire Service would become the first training ground that gave him the skills and mindset to step forward as his own boss.   His first brush with ownership came when he purchased a pulpwood truck.  Every evening, after finishing a full seven-to-five workday, he would climb into that truck and continue working—driven by determination and vision.

In 1997, Fred, along with his wife and son, started two of the first black-owned and operated businesses on Highway 45 in Macon, MS.  Gilkey's Tire Clinic and Papa G's were symbols of progress and pride for the community.  Fred's entrepreneurial spirit wasn't just about profit, it was about legacy.  He wanted to create something that was valuable for both his family and his community.  He achieved just that.

Outside of work and family, Fred found joy in watching professional baseball.  In his earlier years during the season you could walk into his home at any moment and find the game on both the kitchen and den TVs.  And if the Atlanta Braves were playing, he wasn't going to miss a single pitch or play.  But his greatest joy was being with family.  Family and friends brought him life, and he cherished every opportunity to be surrounded by them.

At a small church in Mashulaville, MS, Fred gave his life to Christ. He became firmly rooted in faith at Mount Olive United Methodist Church. He later became a faithful member of New Hope United Methodist Church. He was a humble man whose faith always guided him in both trials and triumphs.

The center of Fred's life was his beloved wife of seventy years, Bertha, with whom he shared a bond that stood the test of time. Together they raised five children, four girls and one boy: Billie Gilkey-Johnson (Michael) of Clinton, MS; Mae Nell Gilkey of Washington D.C.; Grady Gilkey (Sally) of Columbus, MS; Cynthia Gilkey-Wallace (Preceded in death) Columbus, MS; Sara Gilkey Sims of Jackson, MS; and a grandson that he raised as his own, Tavoris Gilkey (Preceded in death).

Fred took great pride in being a grandfather to seven other cherished grandchildren:  Zeltre Smith of Byram, MS; J'Bria Gilkey Iyalla of Jackson, MS; Taylor Johnson of Jackson, MS; Christopher Wallace of New Orleans, LA; Nicholas Sims (Rebekah) of Clinton, MS; Jalyn Williams (Charles) of Gluckstadt, MS; and Brilon Gilkey of Columbus, MS.  He also has ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Fred's family circle included seven siblings. He was one of eight children:   O.C. Gilkey (preceded in death), Robert Gilkey (preceded in death), Napolean Gilkey (preceded in death), Dorothy Williams (preceded in death), Hattie Mann of Altadenna, CA; Vergene Harkins of Columbus, MS; and Johnnie Rogers (Ophelia) of Elkhart,IN.

Fred is remembered as a pillar of strength.  He stood ready with advice, laughter, or a helping hand.  Whether he was building a business, offering a word of wisdom or sitting quietly in the company of loved ones, everything he did was with love.  His legacy lives on in the stories that will be shared around dinner tables. The echoes of his words live on through his children, carrying the strength and the character instilled in the family name…