Mr. Frederick Caffey Sr

Frederick Caffey, Sr. was born on April 22, 1931, in Grenada, MS. He was the first of nine children born to Asbury (AC) and Nancy Caffey, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Melvin and John Caffey, and three sisters, Frances Smith, Mary Adams, and Evelyn Askew. Fred received Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was on the trustee board when he decided to be baptized at Broadview Missionary Baptist Church, in Broadview, IL. He stated that he had no knowledge of being baptized and that he wanted to be very sure about his walk with Jesus and to inspire others to do likewise. Whether serving in the capacity of son, husband, father, uncle, or friend, it didn’t matter; anyone who knew Fred knew him to be a man of great moral fiber, strength, and character; always consistent and always steadfast. He truly loved the Lord, and his favorite phrase regarding anything was, "I have put it in the 'good’ Lord's hands." Fred moved to LaGrange, IL in 1936 when he was five years old. He received his early education at Cossitt Elementary School and graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL. Fred loved to read about sports and special events. He grew up learning, watching, and playing baseball. He particularly enjoyed watching the Chicago White Sox and the LA Dodgers. Fred led a clean, respectable, and healthy life so that he could play baseball. He was a tremendous example of how to live a holy life, while providing for his family and caring for his nephews and nieces. After graduating from high school, Fred attended Jack Baseball School in Peoria, Illinois, to train for baseball in 1950. He was drafted by the Washington Senators, who are now the Washington Nationals, into their minor league farm teams. On January 12, 1953, Fred Caffey joined the Marines during the Korean War. He served in the Marine Corps until January 11, 1956, and received an honorable discharge. During his service, he was awarded multiple decorations, and many years later, he received his certificate and became an Ambassador for the Peace Medal. During his time in the Marine Corps, Fred played baseball. He was injured and never pursued a baseball career, despite receiving a letter to try out for the major leagues. He did, however, spend his leisure time coaching several little league baseball players. Fred became a licensed barber, and he enjoyed cutting hair for family and friends. He retired from International Harvester (Navistar) after 34 years as a welder and union steward. Fred met the love of his life, Lisa J. Lewis, and they marry on December 25, 1954, in LaGrange, IL. A marriage formed in Heaven that lasted 70 years. From this union were born five children: Frederick, Jr., Collane, Tamela, Phillip, and April. Frederick Caffey, Sr. departed this life on February 25, 2025. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lisa Caffey, of Conyers, GA; his children, Frederick Caffey, Jr. (Jacqui), Atlanta, GA; Collane Caffey, Conyers, GA; Tamela Caffey Williams (John), Decatur, GA; Phillip Caffey, Conyers, GA; and April Caffey, Decatur, GA; his two brothers: Richard Caffey (Ida), Las Cruces, NM; Sylvester Caffey (Frances), Bolingbrook, IL; one sister: Brenda Holston, of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Frederick Caffey Sr

April 22, 1931 - February 25, 2025