Fred A.D. Sullivan Sr.

Frederick A.D. Sullivan, Sr., 62, died Friday, May 6, 2005 at Hospice Savannah, surrounded by his five children. Fred was born in Savannah, Georgia January 14, 1943 to Allison Davis Sullivan and the late John A. Sullivan. He attended the Chatham County Schools, and graduated from HV Jenkins High School in 1962, where he was an outstanding football and track star during his high school years. He won the state track meet and set city records in the javelin and the 220 yard dash that may still stand, going on to win both events at the state meet. That same year, he was all city, all state, and all American in football as well. He earned an associates degree in business from Brunswick Junior College, summa cum laude, and attended Armstrong State College, working towards his bachelors. In 1963, he pursued boxing as a career. Encouraged by Gordon Lott, and coached by Grady Bragg, he turned professional in 1965. With a pro record of 30 wins 3 losses and 28 KO's, he accumulated four national and five regional championships in five different weight classes, winning the southern heavyweight title. He was the tenth ranked light heavyweight in the world when he was drafted into the Army in 1968. He served two tours of duty as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal "awarded with valor." When he returned stateside to Hunter AAF, he was charged with training wing pilots to fly cobra helicopters and maintaining performance standards for instructor pilots. During this period, he also organized a boxing team for the Army and coached them through three Army championships. Fred began a career in Insurance in 1974, first attaining LUTCF and CLU designations, and then teaching the classes. When Life Insurance of Georgia was bought out, he established Sullivan Insurance Agency, which he operated as sole proprietor until his death. During his lifetime, Fred was involved in coaching yout h team sports for 35 years. He was credited with starting an outreach program at the YMCA for inner city kids, driving a bus to pick up and bring them back to participate in sports. When there were not enough coaches, he volunteered to coach five different teams. His goal was to give them the opportunity to experience team sports, and to motivate and instill a discipline that would help carry them through life. Surviving him are three daughters and two sons: Dana Hammond, Deborah Yacinto, Allison Sullivan, Fred Sullivan Jr (Marissa), and Scott Sullivan. His mother Allison Sullivan, sister Virginia Ray, brother Jack Sullivan, six grandchildren and three nieces. Visitation: 4-6 p.m., Sunday May 8th at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Funeral: Noon, Monday, May 9th at Grace United Methodist Church, 6412 Waters Avenue. Burial: Laurel Grove Cemetery. Remembrances may be sent to YMCA Youth Sports Program, Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, or Hospice of Savannah. Savannah Morning News, May 8, 2005 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com