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| Fred's children with Dorothy Ann Kitts |
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| Kimberly Kay Stancil Reep |
| Bridget Lynne Stancil Loebs |
| Fred's children with Anna Kathleen “Kathy” Berkley |
| Freddie Allen Stancil |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Freddie Allen Stancil, known affectionately as "Fred" to his family and friends, lived a life defined by love, cherished memories, and a free-spirited approach all his own.
Born on March 19, 1940, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, he was oldest child of William Leonard and Maycell Wimer Stancil.
Fred's childhood was spent in Washington, D.C., where his parents owned a large boarding house. These years, and later those at The Blue and White Inn in Woodbridge, Virginia, which his parents purchased, were described as "fun-filled." As he grew, Fred took on more responsibility, helping to pump gas and operate a fireworks stand his father built onto the restaurant. He shared a close bond with his younger sister, Treva Marie Stancil Devers, even teaching her to ride a bike and tell time. A humorous anecdote from their childhood involved a six-year-old Treva, on Fred's lap, attempting to drive a car, only to halt her driving career by hitting the restaurant's front porch!
Fred was particularly close to his father, frequently accompanying him to family reunions throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He attended Garfield High School in Woodbridge, which opened in 1951, but with an eye toward the future, he left before graduating.
Fred's entrepreneurial spirit led him to work for a time as a government purchasing agent before he ventured into business for himself, opening a heating and air conditioning company.
In 1960, mutual friends introduced him to Dorothy "Dottie" Kitts, and they were married in Arlington, Virginia. After a business downturn, Fred eventually closed his heating and air conditioning business, and he and Dottie later divorced.
Years later, Fred found love again with Marcia June Gensmer Watz. He met Marcia while he was working as a heating and air conditioning mechanic, and she was working in the kitchen at the Moose Club Lodge, where Fred was a regular. They quickly became a twosome and married in 1998, moving into Marcia's home in Colonial Beach, Virginia.
Fred and Marcia were soulmates, sharing a deep love for nature and a particular passion for watching sunsets. They would actively scout out locations with the prettiest and most spectacular views, finding their sanctuaries at "the point" on Monroe Bay in Colonial Beach and George Washington's Birthplace at Wakefield, just south of Colonial Beach. Their six years together were filled with wonderful memories, and Fred was utterly devoted to Marcia. When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Fred retired to care for her, taking her to frequent doctor's appointments in Richmond and offering unwavering love and support. He was grief-stricken and "totally lost" after her passing in September 2004.
Fred was a devoted father to three children: daughters Kimberly Kay Stancil Reep (and husband Michael of Stafford, Virginia) and Bridget Lynn Stancil Loebs (and husband Michael of Castleton, Virginia), and a son, Freddie Allen Berkley. He cherished his three grandchildren: Rachel Marie Reep, Brittany Carol Loebs, and Erin Michelle Loebs, who continue to carry forward the values and love he instilled in them.
His relationship with his daughters was special. Kim treasures a particular pool stick that Fred once received and later gave to her. Fred's love for the outdoors extended to Bridget, whom he introduced to camping, and he gifted her a 4-wheel drive Jeep, which she still drives.
Beyond his family, Fred was a man of many friends, cherishing the time spent with them at the VFW, where his laughter and stories filled the room. He was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a kind word, making him a beloved figure in the community. His passions included tinkering on his cars, fishing for Rockfish, and driving his speedboat, which he enjoyed while living in Florida. Fred was also an avid NASCAR fan, particularly devoted to Dale Earnhardt Sr. If you called him during a race, you could expect the conversation to be brief!
After Marcia's passing, Fred found comfort and companionship in his beloved black Lab puppy, Scooter, a gift from his daughter Bridget in 1999. Scooter became his constant companion, even making it into his email address. After Fred's death, Scooter was lovingly adopted by close friends and is adjusting well to his new home.
In the final week of his life, his sister Treva visited, bringing him two pints of North Carolina Barbecue from White Swan Bar-B-Q in Benson, a favorite restaurant of Fred's family known for its 50-year-old secret recipe. Fred's delighted smile and remark, "You know how I love this stuff!" perfectly captured his enthusiasm for simple, cherished pleasures.
Freddie Allen Stancil died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, June 14, 2009, in Colonial Beach, Virginia, at the age of 69.
Fred's free spirit and realist perspective were hallmarks of his personality. He was not religious but embraced exploration, questioning, doubt, scrutiny, science, reason, and logic. He truly lived by the classic standard, "I did it my way," and he did it with a smile. Fred is now reunited with his beloved Marcia and other family members who loved him and have passed on. His spirit continues to inspire and uplift those who knew him.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil