Our beloved Fred O. Vincent was born to Willie and Gladys Vincent on March 10, 1939. He was the youngest of 5 children. He received his early childhood education in Deridder, Louisiana. He was an honor student and went on to pursue his college degree at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1959, while attending Southern University, he became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and was an active member his entire life. Fred graduated Southern University with a degree in Mathematics and was commissioned an officer in the United States Army in January of 1961 and served overseas in Korea for one tour of duty.
After his military service Fred moved to New York City where he worked as a teacher and also at New York Life Insurance. Fred married Eloise Rosa King in 1967 and had two sons Titus and Darryl.
Fred moved to Maryland in 1974 and began his employment in the federal government where he worked as a Computer System Analyst/Programmer in various departments until his retirement in 1999. Fred took an active role in raising his sons after leaving New York and moving to Maryland, no small feat for a single man starting over in a new state.
Fred was a proud member of the Prince Hall Masons and belonged to Roscoe Cartwright Lodge #129 where he held several positions including Worshipful Master of the lodge 93-94′. He later became the Southern Regional Grand Lecturer and was known for his proficient degree work throughout the state.
The love of Fred’s life for the past 20 years has been Gracie Beasley, more commonly referred to as his better half. Although they are from the same small town in Louisiana, it was not until 1992 that they found each other again. Their relationship was one of love, care, and commitment; and one that clearly shows us what it means to love unconditionally.
Fred preceded us on August 20, 2012. He is loved and dearly missed. He leaves behind his wife Gracie; one brother Ed Vincent; two sons Titus and Darryl; 4 step-children Stephanie, Rita, Brian, and, Felecia; 3 grandchildren Tiesha, Joey, and Isadore, 1 great grandchild Tavaris, many nieces, nephews, lodge brothers, fraternity brothers, and a very close friend, for nearly 60 years, who is not “like” a brother to him but “is” a brother to him, Oswald “Steve” Boykin II.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from 10:00am until time of service at 12:45pm at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 5000 St. Barnabas Road, Temple Hills, Maryland. Interment following at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland.
My uncle was one of the strongest men I know and likely will ever know. A man who placed family first and was fun to be around. Will miss the long conversations we had while i was traveling. But more than that will miss the love you had for Vincents and all you came in contact with. Rest in peace Unc and I know the jokes and pranks started in heaven the second you got there.
I will sorely miss Bro. Vincent’s wit and glowing humour as our paths crossed in the LOI and later on in physical therapy together. I will keep his family in my earnest prayers.
May precious memories of your dear loved one, along with the wonderful future promises of our loving heavenly Father bring you much comfort.
Isaiah 33:24 – And no resident will say: “I am sick.â€â€¦
Isaiah 25:8 – He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces….
Please accept my deepest condolences for your dear loved one. Always remember that our Heavenly Father is the God of all comfort. (2Cor 1:3, 4) He is a refuge and strength for us, during all our distresses.
With sincere sympathy,