EARLY LIFE
On a cold wintry morning a beautiful bouncing baby boy was born Dec. 26th, 1942 to the late Mr. Hubert and Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson Caldwell. Fredrick Lee Caldwell was the sixth of the nine children raised by his parents. Several of Fredrick's siblings have proceeded him in reaching their heavenly destinations. Sisters Joyce Williams, Naomi Caldwell, Virginia Caldwell Smoot, Diane Wallace and brothers Hubert Caldwell and Ronald Caldwell. Affectionately known as "Freddy" is still survived by two sisters Courtney Saunders and Phyillis Clawson.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
Freddy had an early fascination with learning and attended Carver High School where he excelled in athletics and was a standout football player. Freddy's love of the game and fascination for learning would later fuel his affection for teaching and coaching the game he was so passionate about with the youth of Winston-Salem.  At the completion of matriculation at Carver High School a scholarship from Delaware State University was offered but declined. Freddy graduated with the proud class of 1960 from his beloved Carver High School where lifelong friends and cherished memories abounded. Being of strong mind and will Freddy charted a different course that included a higher education path with Forsyth Technical Institute where he excelled in mechanics. It wasn't long before he landed his first job with the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Several employers were blessed by his abilities to master mechanical repairs of their machinery throughout his career, these included such companies as Bahnson Industries, Strohs Container Division and finally retiring from Rexam Container Division after 35 years of loyal service. As always Freddy was everything his employers needed him to be which even earned him a journeyman's certificate as a welder with Rexam. (always a student. )

FAMILY LIFE

Before accepting the job with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Freddy had other matters to attend to and that was to marry his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Brenda Hawkins. This union produced three loving and beautiful children. Fredrick Lee Caldwell Jr. aka "Tommy" (deceased), Kenneth Caldwell and Tamie Caldwell.  Freddy loved and adored his immediate and extended family and it was plain to see that his grandson Fredrick Caldwell III "Tre-Tre" (deceased), daughter-in-law Charlotte Caldwell and granddaughters Banee' Caldwell and Monica Caldwell were the apples of his eyes, and it showed in his abundance of provision and wisdom. Endearingly known as their "Papa-Fred" he bestowed each one of them with a secret nickname they each are affectionately known by.

CHRISTIAN LIFE
To those that had the pleasure of encountering "Deacon Fred Caldwell" operating in his call knew that his foundation was rooted with healthy admonition of the most high. "GOD and family first" where foundational tenants of his early childhood education. Hubert, Elizabeth and the children originally attended Brushy Fork Church that later became Middlefork Christian Church.  Deemed the inquisitive child Freddy questioned and retained everything about GOD's word he could. ("Always study to show yourself approved.")
Always a take charge person as a young adult Freddy was a natural fit as a Sunday school teacher were he excelled once again as a spirited teacher of the God's word. He knew this station was pivotal in the development of one's Christian life and he approached it with enthusiasm. There were many other roles assumed as a nurturing leader. Various churches and ministries were planted and prospered under his teaching. Christian Men's Fellowship, Middlefork Male Chorus, Christ Kingdom's Men's Round-Up, Deacon Communion Training and many more. Freddy truly exhibited a life of service that we all can aspire to live. Even in the midst of challenges he maintained a never stop disposition. The plague of COVID put a damper on his activities but he was always looking for a hopeful return to an active church life.

DEPARTURE
Life dealt Freddy challenges none of which he complained about. It was one of his special traits. On his worst day he might still greet you with a smile. As his health declined he still understood his assignment in life and approached it with a supernatural faith as if he was still teaching us how to navigate life struggles. After several stints in and out of the hospital with a terminal diagnosis of cancer Freddy made a life choice to come home and spend time in the care and presence of his beloved wife and children where he could feel the love of a Father and husband extraordinaire. After being at home for two and a half weeks on Saturday September 14th, 2024 at 5:09pm Freddy transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home with the Lord.

Freddy lives on in each of our hearts and minds as a cherished, friend, mentor, coach, co-worker, church and family member. Freddy, Papa Fred, Daddy and Husband will be missed by his beloved wife and caretaker Brenda Hawkins Caldwell, son and daughter in law Kenneth and Charlotte Caldwell, loving daughter, Tammie Caldwell, grand daughters Banee' and Monica Caldwell. A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and many more family and friends will surely cherish loving memories of him as well.

A celebration of his life will be conducted 1pm Saturday, September 21st at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church with the family visitation preceding at 12 Noon.