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Fred Crane Obituary

CRANE, Fred August 21, 2008 - Actor Fred Crane has died of complications, after successful surgery to repair a vein in his leg. Fred was born March 22, 1918, and after playing college football and performing in several stage productions in his home town of New Orleans, Louisiana, he came out to Hollywood at the age of 20 and was cast alongside Vivien Leigh and George Reeves as Brent Tarleton, in the classic movie Gone With The Wind. Fred became good friends with George, who was also best man at his wedding. World War II interrupted Fred's career for a few years, after which he worked in television and radio, notably on the Jack Benny Radio Program and then for 41 years at Los Angeles classical radio station KFAC, where he also served with Carl Princi as Program Director and host of the morning show. He is survived by his wife Terry and other family members. Fred was 90 years old.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Aug. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Crane

23 Entries

Bobi Moler

September 4, 2008

Dear Terry and family,
I was so upset whem I hearf of Fred's passing. When I met this kend, gente and loving man at the Bed and Breakfast, I feel in love with him. He was what great actors should be like. I am a bih fan of GWTW. My husband had surpised me for my birthday by going to the Tarleton Oaks and meeting Fred, Terry and Trey. I was taken back one other time to visit with this sweet man. He will be truly missed by all who knew him, and my prayers are with the family. If there is anything that I can do, please call me at 770-760-9891. I would love to hear from anyone who loved mim and the movie GWTW. My only regret is not getting to talk to Ms. Olivia de Havilland. Terry, may you find peace from Fred's love that he had for you and Trey and know that he is in a place where he is well and happy. He is the first bright star that you see in the sky each night, and he is a angel watching over you. God Bless this family with a peace that passes all understanding. Call me if I can do anything. Sincerelt, Bobi Moler

elaine andres

August 29, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Judi Brown

August 28, 2008

I was so honored to meet Fred at his B & B in Barnesville GA - He was a delightful host and gave his all to enlightened everyone on his history - What a history!!!!!

Roger Parks

August 26, 2008

My sympathy to Fred's family and his other fans.

My memories of Fred are from his KFAC years. I was first 'introduced' to his radio presence whilst I was a student both in high school and at Caltech. His personality was a large part of my stress relief program, along with his musical choices. He broadened my musical horizons, and I'll never forget his help in appreciating a much wider spectrum of music.

I was informed of his passing by Rich Capparela on KUSC, who also had kind memories to share.

If we had a radio link to the next life, I'm positive who we would hear on the morning shows.

Best Blessings to his family.

Mike DeMond

August 26, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Steven de Mena

August 26, 2008

My condolences to Terry and the rest of Fred's family. I will always cherish the time Fred and I worked together at KFAC, and sharing those morning cups of coffee.

Debbie Brimner

August 26, 2008

We met many years ago in Atlanta attending the 50th Anniversary of GWTW. I have been a loyal fan of yours since that first, in person, meeting. We laughed together and I was fortunate to have enjoyed listening to your many stories during your numerous visits to Cadiz, OH. You will forever in my heart as a true gentleman and a smile that always lite up the room. Thank you for your endearing friendship. We will miss you always!!

Cindy Shank

August 26, 2008

My sympathies to Terry and the family. I have met Fred at various GWTW events over the years and always enjoyed listening to his stories. He will be greatly missed.

Dave, Helen Pensenstadler

August 25, 2008

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to Terry and all of the friends and family of Fred. He was a warm, friendly, knowledgeable man and we were privileged to know him.

Mike Rogers

August 25, 2008

My deepest sympathies to Terry and all Fred's family. I had the pleasure of interviewing Fred by phone in December 2000, and it was one of the highlights of my broadcasting career. Another piece of classic Hollywood.............Gone.

Kathy Brewer

August 25, 2008

I was so sorry to learn of Fred's passing. We met Fred and Terry in Marietta over the July 4th weekend and were touched by his happy and kind disposition and impressed by his dancing at the ball. He did have great stories to share and we will always remember him happily repeating the opening lines of GWTW before the movie played that weekend. What a treat! He was a true Southern gentleman.

Kathie Fuston

August 23, 2008

Deepest sympathy to the family of Fred Crane, especially to his devoted wife, Terry. It was a pleasure to meet them at Tarleton Oaks, and to have conversed with Fred, a true gentleman.

Faye Sorrow

August 23, 2008

We will miss you dearly, I feel we have lost a great friend. May you be at peace and may we meet again. God bless you and your family. We will always remember the great times and how you always smiled. Our love always
Faye & Ronny Sorrow
Powder Springs, Georgia

Ric Starnes

August 23, 2008

Another great actor and human being gone. So few left but we are blessed with their lives and talent.

Terry Crane

August 23, 2008

On behalf of myself and Fred's entire family, we sincerely thank you for your love and support during this most difficult time. The world has lost a truly great soul. He loved with his whole heart and he believed and said many times, "We are ALL brothers and sisters." There is an unspeakable emptiness left, not only for his family, but for many who had the privilege of knowing him. Thank you, most earnestly, for your love, friendship and condolensces. Should anyone desire to pay tribute to our precious Fred, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association to help research and stamp out this horrible disease. Love to you all...

Mary Spooner

August 23, 2008

This is indeed very sad news. I will miss this man very much. I'm thankful for the few minutes I had with him, to just talk, ask him questions and have my picture taken with him. My prayers are with Terry and the family. God bless.

yolanda krell

August 22, 2008

I LOVED YOU THEN AND I LOVE YOU NOW. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE

Bruce Berman

August 22, 2008

Thank you Fred for being a real pro to work with during my years at KFAC. Thanks for always giving the engineer on air credit and for making my first night in radio so memorable.

Nancy & Paul Kinnane

August 22, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry and the entire family. We met Terry and Fred in July in Marietta and it was wonderful to be around them that weekend. It was very enjoyable to talk with both of them and hear Fred tell his Hollywood stories. He was loved my everyone and he will be greatly missed.

Brenda George

August 22, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with
Terry and the family. I had a chance
to meet Fred in Marietta, Ga. on 4th
of July. Very sweet and friendly man.
Sorry to hear about the loss of one
the stars of the greatest movie ever
made.

Brenda George (Cypress, Texas)

Betsy

August 22, 2008

I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Fred when my husband and I stayed at his B&B Tarleton Oaks several years ago. What a gem of a person! It was so wonderful to sit and talk with him and his wife Terry and hear all of the tales of his time during GWTW. He could not have been more kind or more gracious. He will be missed, and my deepest sympathy to Terry and family on this loss of a wonderful man.

Pablo Garcia

August 22, 2008

I will miss you Fred! Thank you for the KFAC years.

Pablo

Sheryl

August 22, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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