Frederick Jacob Oakleaf Sr.

He never looked for praises, he was never one to boast. He just went on quietly working for the ones he loved the most. His dreams were seldom spoken, his wants were very few and most of the time his worries went unspoken too. He was there…a firm foundation through all our storms of life. A sturdy hand to hold on to in times of stress and strife. A true friend we could turn to when times were good or bad. One of our greatest blessings – the man that we called Dad and Brother. We are here today to remember Frederick Jacob Oakleaf, Sr., Fred, Grandpa, Uncle Fred, Great Grandpa, Grandpa Fish – Dad. Frederick Jacob Oakleaf, Sr. was born 78 years ago on March 13, 1943, in Tampa, Florida and passed away on at home with family members on December 18, 2021. Fred will be remembered and missed so very much for being such a kind and gentle man. While Fred has gone home to be with our Lord, he now watches over his remaining family members: His sister Lucy, who, during the past few years had become very close – the best of friends. His three kids, Frederick Jr. ‘Freddie’, Carmella, and Jason, along with his eight grandchildren, two nieces, two nephews, and eight great grandchildren. Fred was known to spend many hours of the day and night watching football, baseball, and Nascar races. Over the years, Fred also enjoyed playing bingo and singing his favorite country songs at nearby Karaoke establishments. He had such a soft, beautiful voice. Fred’s true passion was always bass fishing. He never turned down an invitation to fish, especially with his sons, Freddie, and Jason, with his dear friend Ray, and nephew Hubert. For nearly thirty years, he enjoyed partnering with Freddie as they competed in local bass clubs and during the last two years, Fred and Freddie joyfully and proudly finished in 1st place. Fred will forever be known by family, friends, and neighbors for always willing to help those in need and being a sincerely good man. He Wore a Hat It was his time to leave; he had to go he was tired of all that pain and woe. He could not stay another day as his body and mind were done with play. His peace found him at noon on Saturday and that is when he slipped away. The emptiness he left in our lives should be filled with remembered times No tears of sorrow shall fill up our tomorrows - instead we should remember him with smiles as we look at the stars and follow the miles. Remember him when you see his color blue - remember him when you see the morning’s dew. Remember him in the peace you find fishing - remember him when you find yourself wishing. His life was full of great family and friends- he had many good times (needing many amends). Throughout his life, he had such a grand ball - he laughed, and he loved, and was loved by us all. Let his life live on in the flowers we see and smell and let his story live on in the tales that we tell. Smile and laugh as you remember him from this day forward. Fred, Grandpa, Uncle Fred, Great Grandpa, Grandpa Fish… Dad and Brother we love you so, you will be truly missed. Please go in love and peace and remember him always.