Frederick Flagler Jr.

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Frederick Flagler Obituary

Frederick
James Flagler Jr.
WINSTON-SALEM -- Mr. Flagler, retired managing editor of the Winston-Salem Journal and The Sentinel, died Tuesday, August 25, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. He was 83 and a resident of Winston-Salem for more than 50 years. Because of his lifetime contribution to journalism, Mr. Flagler was named to the N.C. Journalism Hall of Fame in Chapel Hill in 2005.
During Mr. Flagler's time as managing editor, the Journal won journalism's most prestigious award, the Pulitzer Prize in Public Service. The series of articles was credited with preventing northwest North Carolina from being strip-mined, keeping the mountains a treasure for generations.
Mr. Flagler was the beloved husband of Mary Hill Gaston Flagler for 59 years until her death in 2006. He is survived by six children and their spouses: Frederick J. Flagler III and Linda Flagler of Atlanta, GA; Margaret Flagler MacLaren and James MacLaren of Wilmington; Eleanor Flagler Hardy and Owen Hardy of Louisville, KY; David W. Flagler and Madeline Flagler of Wilmington; Elizabeth Anne Flagler and Mark Washburn of Davidson; and Kathryn Flagler Fleer and John Fleer of Maryville, TN. He had 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Journal columnist Tom Sieg interviewed Mr. Flagler when he retired in 1991: 'The thing that's been fascinating is, you're not turning out the same box of cookies every day,' Mr. Flagler said. 'You're turning out something that is changing.' Sieg wrote that Mr. Flagler had 'a sense of commitment and correctness about every aspect of the newspaper.'
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 12 at Knollwood Baptist Church, 330 Knollwood St., Winston-Salem.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Aug. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Flagler

10 Entries

Lee Dodson

August 24, 2024

Alice and I remember Fred frequently and have shared some of these memories with friends. Of course, we still miss him and honor his many contributions to the community and to family and friends. A life well lived by a man of many talents.

Grover Chaney

September 12, 2009

I met Fred in the early 80's when I was a struggling wildlife artist.Because of Fred I was given three career making articles in the Journal over the years.Because of Fred I was able to touch many lives in a wonderful way. Thank you Fred,you will be remembered forever.Grover

Teri Saylor

September 8, 2009

I met Fred Flagler after I graduated from college and was looking for some journalism career advice. He gave me a book called "Murder, Mayhem and the English Language." I tried not to take it personally. I went on to a career in journalism after all, and got to know him during my experience as executive director of the NC Press Association. I am now a freelance writer and I edit a local sports magazine. I always liked Fred and admired him, and I laugh whenever I think about that book, which I still have to this day.

Melissa Belcher

September 1, 2009

We will never forget you Mr. Flagler

Lee Dodson

August 31, 2009

I count Fred Flagler as one of my mentors. Fred put me to work as a copy boy when I most needed a job. Working under Fred's tutelage with Jo Dawson, I managed to learn some editing skills that I still use today as adviser to the Rockingham Community College campus paper and as editor of the NC Sociological Association Bulletin. I observed first-hand Fred's unfailing loyalty to his friends (among them my in-laws) and have enjoyed sharing his interest in a variety of musical forms. Fred has taught me a great deal about loyalty and friendship. Although I already miss him, I will never forget him.

Annette Fuller

August 26, 2009

In 1982, Fred Flagler gave me my first job in my journalism career, which has now spanned 27 years. If he had not given me that opportunity, I have no idea where I would be today. He taught me journalism know-how and an ethnical standard that is still a part of my backbone today. The earth is less today because of his passing, but his legacy with family, friends and journalists is deep and wide.

Owen Hardy

August 26, 2009

Note: the end of Fred Flagler's obituary was omitted in the on-line version.

Here are important details for those wishing to attend the service or send expressions of sympathy:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to the Palliative Care Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Expressions of condolence to the family can be sent c/o Eleanor Flagler Hardy, 1929 Lowell Ave., Louisville, KY 40205.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sat. September 12 at Knollwood Baptist Church.

Charlena Peterson

August 26, 2009

I had the honor of meeting Fred at the WSJ. He always made the day better with his funny words of wisdom. Fred was one of the last of the greats. He will be missed.

August 26, 2009

Mr.Flagler was my favorite resident at Salemtowne I will miss his smile and jokes.

Carla Young 3rd shift cna

Becky Burke

August 26, 2009

I met Mr Flagler when he came into the hospital on Sunday and I immediately liked him. I held his hand and felt his warmth. You were lucky to have him.

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