Richmond Frederick

Richmond Stanfield "Rick" Frederick, Jr., age 77, of Forest City, NC, and Punta Gorda, FL, passed away on March 22, 2025, at Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on July 23, 1947, in Danville, Virginia, Rick was the son of Richmond Stanfield Frederick and Sallie Womack Moorefield Frederick. He grew up in Yanceyville, Caswell County, North Carolina, attending Bartlett Yancey Elementary School and graduating from Bartlett Yancey High School in 1965. During high school, he played basketball and football, served as sports editor of the school newspaper, and once flooded the science lab-an incident that earned him a two-day expulsion, which he wore as a badge of honor.

Rick earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina in 1971 and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1974. He graduated with high honors (Order of the Coif, Summa Cum Laude) and contributed to the Law Review. His legal career spanned decades at Ford Motor Company's Office of the General Counsel in Dearborn, MI, where he retired in 1999 as Assistant General Counsel. His tenure included six years in England, where two of his sons were born. He remained an active member of the Michigan State Bar for over fifty years.

In retirement, Rick and his wife, Mary Jo Dagwell Frederick, enjoyed boating as members of local yacht clubs in Punta Gorda and spent time at their beloved farm, "Two Bears," in western North Carolina. A dedicated historian, he became the first webmaster for the Caswell County Historical Association and authored *Images of America: Caswell County* (2009), preserving the rich history of his hometown.

Rick was predeceased by his parents and his son William Bradley Frederick. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Jo; sons Richmond Stanfield Frederick III and John Lawrence Frederick (Heather); grandson Navin Naoki Frederick; and sisters Mona Diane Frederick and Virginia Joyce Frederick Horne.

Per Rick's wishes, no formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pardee Cancer Center, 561 Fleming St., Hendersonville, NC 28739.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements. An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.