Frederick William Munson, Jr.

Frederick William Munson, Jr.

October 23, 1952 – December 29, 2022

Devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend – Fred “Ric” Munson – peacefully left us on December 29, 2022. He was met in heaven by his sweet parents, Fred, Sr. and Inez Munson, his brother Michael, and favorite canine companion, Fritz. Fred is survived by the loving family that motivated his every move: Kim – his wife of 43 years; children Julie Sikes (Shaun), Lynzi Harvey (Clinton), and Ethan Munson, along with grandchildren Will, Wyatt, Launa, Wesley, Parker, Cash, Davis, and Layla, and multiple cousins, nieces and nephews.

As a Jacksonville native, Fred graduated from Terry Parker High School in 1970, then quickly launched his career as a master electrician. Fred went on to become founder and proprietor of Munson & Bryan Electric, Munson & Munson Builders and Munson Electric, earning the respect and admiration of the entire North Florida contracting industry. Despite this verysuccessful career, Fred still made time to serve his Baker County community, becoming a fixture as the Baker County High School football booster club president. His devotion to all the players and their families made him a beloved leader. He used his influence to improve the lives of others whenever he could, including facilitating the building of a fully equipped home for a player disabled during practice.

A true “man’s man,” Fred never lived his life far from the next outdoor adventure. It would surprise no one to know that young Fred had earned the highly honored Eagle Scout designation, though he rarely told a soul. Hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, grilling, you name it. If it was outdoors, Fred’s heart was in it. From hunting in Africa and Alaska to zip lining and offshore fishing in Costa Rica, Ric lived his life to the fullest, and loved adventures most of all when shared with his family and closest friends. When you saw Fred coming, you prepared yourself for a good story and a good laugh – he could spin ‘em like no one else. And if you ever found yourself in a tight spot, you knew Fred would be the first to offer help. The only thing bigger than his taxidermy collection was his heart. Though he thought he fooled everyone with the stiffly starched shirts and Levi’s, the truth is that everyone knew about that big soft heart.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held on Thursday, January 5, at 6 pm, with the family welcoming visitors at 5 pm. Both the visitation and service will be held at Forbes Funeral Home, 409 West Macclenny Ave., Macclenny, FL 32063. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you come prepared to share your best stories of “Freddy” on note cards that will be provided at the service, to comfort and encourage them as they remember this life that was so well lived.

Hawke M.T. Forbes and H.M. “Hank” Forbes, Jr. of Forbes Funeral Home are honored to assist the family with arrangements. “With Your Family In Mind”. (904) 259-4600 . Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net.