Frederick Glenn Gifford

08/16/1926 - 05/24/2014

Frederick Glenn Gifford passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. He was a loving husband to Ruby Jean for 65 years.
Frederick is survived by Son, Allan Lee, Grandchildern: Ryan his wife Nashay, Greg and his girlfriend Trish, Spencer and Kailey Mae Parker. Son, Kevin and his wife Diane, and their childern David and Carly, also John and Becky Badgett and a host of local relatives.
Fred was born in Taft, California to Frank and Rena Gifford. Fred spent his youth working ranches, raising sheep and placed well in the California State Fair. He graduated from Kern Central High School in 1942 and was drafted into the Navy for World War II. Fred volunteered for Submarine Duty and fought in the Pacific aboard USS Ray, USS Dace and USS Blue Fish until the end of the war.
After the war, Fred married his sweetheart Ruby Jean Hollis in 1948 and settled down in Bakersfield, California where he would stay for the rest of his life. He joined the IBEW and worked as a Union Electrician until his retirement in 1980. In retirement, Fred continued to work as an Electrician and partnered with his son Allan building speculation homes from 1980 through 1990. In the early 90's, Fred, a Free Mason rose to the rank of 32th Degree and became a Shriner.
Fred enjoyed writing and published his own Autobiography "Portraits of the Past". He was extremely giving with both his money and time. He volunteered at the Bakersfield Homeless Center teaching people to read and donated money to start youth baseball leagues.
Fred lived a full and selfless life always proud that he was a life member of the Sub Veterans of World War II. I am sure when God called him home, God said, "Sailor Rest Your Oar".
Services for Frederick Glenn Gifford will be Monday, June 2, 2014, at 2:00pm at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd.