Fred Renfroe

Dr. James Fredrick “Fred” Renfroe passed peacefully at his home with family on Sunday, March 29, 2020 in Gulf Breeze, FL at the age of 78.

Fred was born on February 7, 1942 in Jacksonville, FL. His family later moved to Pensacola where he met his soulmate for life in the 11th grade. He graduated from Pensacola High School in 1960. In 1969, he earned his doctorate in medical dentistry from the University of Alabama and was an avid “Bama” fan. After graduating from dental school, he practiced dentistry as an officer in in the United States Navy for two years. Fred opened his first practice in 1971 in Pensacola and later moved his practice to Gulf Breeze where he and Dr. Steve Zieman became partners and practiced together for 42 years.

Fred was a graduate of the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and a member of numerous clubs and civic organizations including the EscaRosa Dental Society (past president), the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Society, the Florida Dental Association, the Rotary Club of Gulf Breeze, a Paul Harris Fellow and received Rotary’s Service Above Self Award. He was a member of The Fiesta of Five Flags and was a past knight of DeLuna.

He was an active member of the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church serving on numerous committees. One of the highlights of Fred’s life was a trip to Israel with one of his good friends and mentor Dr. Herb Sadler. As Herb said, “I don’t believe I have ever taken a person who loved walking in the footsteps of Jesus more than Fred did”. He also participated in 9 international dental mission trips to Costa Rica, and he was instrumental in converting several trailers into mobile dental operatories used by other missionaries.

Fred showed his love, compassion, and care for so many of us when we needed it the most throughout our lives. He had a great love for his family, friends, and patients, and he is a shining example of how to live life.

Fred is preceded in death by his father, Marion Kazee “Buck” Renfroe and his mother, Betty Jean Renfroe.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Tucker Renfroe; his son, James Fredrick “Rick” Renfroe Jr. and his son and daughter-in-law, David Renfroe and Kerri Snipes Renfroe; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann Bullard, John and Kay Cook, Gary; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert Tucker and Cameron Daniels Tucker, his grandchildren, Nicole Renfroe, Jordan Renfroe, Dylan Renfroe, and Katie Renfroe; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service with family and close friends was held for Fred at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Gulf Breeze on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The family is planning a larger memorial service for all to attend in the future once it is safe to hold larger gatherings.