Fred Gerald Waggoner, age 68, a native of Carthage, Mississippi and a resident of Spanish Fort, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016.
Fred was a member of the National Guard Unit Recovery Vehicles in Carthage, Mississippi. After attending basic training at Fort Dix, he was named Fort Dix Trainee of the Cycle and Soldier of the Month at Advance Individual Training in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Fred graduated from Mississippi State University in 1970.
Fred started his career with International Paper in May, 1978. He retired in June 2012, as manager of the Bay Minette Container facility. During his 34-year career with IP, Fred worked in numerous business groups and served in various levels of leadership positions, including plant manager roles in Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Alabama.
Fred was well-known for being a hands-on manager. He understood every facet of the operations he managed and was directly involved with all aspects of the business. Fred was well-known for improving every facility that he worked at. He was greatly respected by customers, vendors and, most of all, his fellow employees.
In 2010, the Mississippi Poultry Association recognized Fred for his outstanding contributions to the poultry industry in the state of Mississippi. Very few vendors are ever recognized by this organization for their contributions.
In 2011, Fred was awarded the prestigious Chairman’s Coin by then-International Paper CEO John Faraci in recognition of Fred’s overall contribution to the company.
Fred’s legacy with International Paper is one that will continue to influence others to serve customers at a high level, to continually focus on improving operations, and to challenge future leaders to have the level of impact that Fred did on a daily basis.
Most importantly, Fred was a dedicated and loving family man.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Waggoner of Spanish Fort, Alabama; three daughters, Keely Waggoner (Scott) McGee of Birmingham, Alabama, Sarah (Neal) Grode and Emily (Alex) Grant, both of Cincinnati, Ohio; two sisters, Janice (Bill) King of Jackson, Mississippi, Pam (Mike) Harris of Brandon, Mississippi; one brother, Greg (Lana) Waggoner of Carthage, Mississippi; six grandchildren, Moss and Laura McGee, Jake and Ella Grode, Will and Sophia Grant; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Shelby and Ivadine Waggoner.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 15 at 11 a.m. at Spanish Fort United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Graveside interment will be held Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11 a.m. at New Providence Cemetery in Carthage, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Spanish Fort United Methodist Church Building Fund or to the Little Sisters of the Poor
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 27409 U.S. Hwy. 98, Daphne, AL 36526, 251-625-2900, www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
