Fredric Arliss Zirkle

Fredric A. Zirkle, known affectionately to friends as Freddie, Dad, Grandpa and Paw Paw passed away on September 4, 2023, at the age of 88.  He was born on February 18, 1935, in Logan, West Virginia, to his parents Druie and Edna Zirkle.

He is survived by his cherished wife and caregiver, Annie Lee Zirkle, and his two children Marc Layne Zirkle (Amber) of Newnan Georgia;  Kimberly Anne Perry (Doug) of Cumming, Georgia; his Grandchildren Chase Alexander Zirkle (Frankie) of Newnan, Georgia; Olivia Claire Zirkle (Engaged to Austin Smith) of Newnan, Georgia; Jacqueline Elise Dalton (Andrew) of Newnan, Georgia; Robert Fredric Perry of Cumming, Georgia and Ryne Douglas Perry of Cumming, Georgia.

Fredric was the youngest of fourteen (14) children.  While his life started out with quite a bit of hardship, over time, the love of his mother and siblings taught him the true meaning of family and the value of hard work.  Those core beliefs along with his faith in Jesus Christ stayed with him all his life. He never missed an opportunity to share the Good News with anyone who would listen.

He eventually went on to marry the love of his life, Annie Lee Zirkle.  They were married for over 66 years.  After their marriage, he served his country in the Army earning a Good Conduct Medal and a Marksmanship Award (Carbine).  As time passed and they settled down in Huntington, West Virginia, his wife went to work to put him through college.  First to obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting and then a Master of Business Administration, both from his beloved Marshall University.

He was in government service for most of his career, initially serving as an Internal Revenue Agent. He then became the Southeastern Regional Finance Chief for the Veterans Administration and finally a Superintendent for the National Cemetery System.  He retired from the Veterans Administration after more than 35 years of service.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he had a drive for knowledge associated with history, literature, and computers.  He also had a passion for physical wellbeing as he ran in no less than 20 Peachtree Road Races and several “Half Marathons” on Thanksgiving Day.   He loved music and would never turn off a good Beatles song and loved “travelling through the desert on a horse with no name…”  He loved a good “Cup of Joe” with Dunkin and McDonalds as his favorites.  Most importantly, he never lost his sense of humor even until the end.  He particularly loved needling his daughter on various subjects, but his favorite was her cooking skills (or lack thereof).  “Who’s cooking” and “oh no” were heard every time she was in the kitchen.  But, by far, his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren.  He was known to take every grandchild lunch at school as well as taking in most of their sporting or school activities.  He was, without a doubt, completely devoted to his family.  His love, guidance and strength will be remembered and cherished by those who loved him.

After a brief viewing at Chapman’s Mortuary in Huntington, West Virginia, a graveside service, with full military honors, will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 2:00pm at Spring Hill Cemetery at 1427 Norway Avenue.