Freddy G. “Fred” Vonier, 82, of Thomasville, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024.
He was born Frederick Jarrard January 31, 1942 in Tampa, Florida to the late Elwood and Murl Byrd Jarrard. He was later adopted by the late James W. and Ida Jarrard Vonier of Thomas County, where he was raised to work and love the land.
He graduated with a degree in accounting in 1963 from Valdosta State University, where he met his sweetheart of more than six decades, Mary Lou Minchew from Blackshear. After graduation, Fred worked as an accountant for Lewis Wilson until his career was interrupted by military service in Vietnam. When he returned home, he worked for Flowers for a time and later managed Farm Credit.
Then, courageously, he returned to his passion and vocation as a man of the land. Overcoming weather, pestilence and even the policies of the Carter administration, he farmed successfully in eastern Thomas County, near Five Forks, from the 1970s until his retirement. He remained active in the agribusiness industry for a few years post-retirement, as a crop insurance claims investigator. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Thomasville.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jay W. Vonier; sister, Clarice Clark and niece, Tracy Todd (Jack).
Survivors include his wife Mary Lou Vonier; daughter, Jennifer Vonier Mason (Chad),Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren Katie Mason, Sarah Wychor (Jack), Hannah McKinnon (Chris); great-grandson, Finn McKinnon; aunts, Lena Mae McGinty and Genevieve Carter, Thonotosassa, FL; beloved niece, Aimee Stevens (James), Peachtree City; great-nieces and great-nephews, Wyatt Stevens, Allison Stevens, Ryan Todd (Danielle), Harrison Todd and Leah Todd, and great-great-niece, Riley Michelle Todd.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27 from the chapel of the First Baptist Church in Thomasville with Jimmy Clanton officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, 9420 Blackshear Highway SE, Baxley, GA 31513 (georgiachildren.org) or St. Francis Wildlife Association, 5580 Salem Rd., Quincy, FL 32352 (stfranciswildlife.org).
Allen & Allen Funeral Home of Thomasville is in charge of arrangements.
