Fred McPherson Jr.

Fred McPherson, Jr. was born on March 29, 1934, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on December 11, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred McPherson, Sr. and Mildred McAllister McPherson, as well as his beloved sisters, Blanche Carmichael, Annie Rose Yates Wright, and Lorraine Simmons.

Fred's life was rooted in faith, purpose, and discipline from an early age. As a child, he attended Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, a ministry rich with family legacy, as his paternal grandmother, Annie McPherson, was among its first members in the late 1800s. Years later, after returning to Fayetteville following his retirement, he reaffirmed his commitment to Jesus Christ by reuniting with Lewis Chapel. In subsequent years, he became a devoted member of Falling Run Missionary Baptist Church, where he worshiped faithfully until declining health limited his physical attendance. Fred's faith was expressed not only through worship, but also through service, compassion, and quiet generosity.

After the passing of his mother in 1937, he was lovingly reared by his father and stepmother, Elnora McFadyen McPherson, throughout his formative years in the Seventy-First Township. He distinguished himself early as a motivated and disciplined student, graduating with honors from Anne Chestnut High School. He was elected the Vice President of his senior class.

Fred's remarkable work ethic began during his teen years. While in high school, he worked diligently at the Prince Charles Hotel in downtown Fayetteville to help support his family. Living near what is now Cross Creek Mall, he walked after school more than a mile each way to catch the bus for work during the week. On weekends, he worked long hours in the hotel kitchen and delivered meals directly to guests' rooms. These early sacrifices reflected a young man of character, responsibility, and determination.

Following high school graduation, Fred relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he worked in theaters and restaurants. In 1956, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Fred was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, Goose Bay Air Force Base in Newfoundland and Labrador and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. During his service, he completed the Supply Record Specialist Course at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Fred served honorably as an Inventory Management Specialist until 1960. His military service was marked by professionalism and integrity.

After completing his military service, Fred relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he further advanced his technical skills by completing Punched Card Equipment training with International Business Machines (IBM). He later returned to Brooklyn, New York, and began a distinguished career with the Social Security Administration in New York City.

Fred's 28-year career with the Social Security Administration was defined by sustained excellence while mastering his responsibilities. Through diligence and intellectual rigor, he rose to the position of Claims Authorizer and earned recognition and awards for his superior performance throughout his career.

Upon his retirement in 1989 from the Social Security Administration in Flushing, New York, Fred returned to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he embraced a life of purposeful service. Known for his financial wisdom and thoughtful stewardship, he quietly supported charitable causes and gave generously to organizations aligned with his values. Finding joyful fulfillment in visiting nursing homes, Fred devoted time and attention in sharing conversation with and comfort to residents. Whether through a warm smile, an encouraging word, or his steady presence, he had a gift for lifting spirits and making others feel seen and valued.

Fred was a man of quiet strength, refined intellect, and steady compassion. He carried himself with dignity, spoke with intention, and lived with grace. He was widely respected for his sound judgment, generosity of spirit, and unwavering principles. His life reflected balance, wellness, and intentional living, guided by faith and anchored in service to others. Fred's legacy is one of honor, compassion, and enduring respect, a life that continues to inspire and uplift all who were blessed to know him.

He leaves to cherish his memory one stepsister, Dorothy Hood; three nieces, Barbara Murphy, Jackie Brown (George), and Deborah Rosado; and three nephews, Paul McPherson, Sr. (Darlene), James McPherson, and William Yates (Sherry). Fred is also survived by a host of grand-nieces and grand-nephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, and many beloved cousins