Frederick John Thoede, Jr.

Frederick John Thoede Jr. passed over peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee at the age of 80. He was surrounded by his beloved wife of 60 years, Louisa "Joyce" Miller Thoede, his daughter Penny Donnell Thoede, and son-in-law David Ellis Donnell. He is also survived by his son Frederick John Thoede III, daughter-in-law Karen Vanderbrook Thoede, son Jeffrey Brian Thoede, brother-in-law Matthew J. Russo Jr. half-brothers Donald Ray Thoede (Joan) and Thomas Edward Thoede (Eileen), numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 14,1936. He was a graduate of Martin Behrman High School, Class of 1955. He had a long career in the service industry. While still in high school he worked at the Triangle Texaco for his friend and boss Allyn P. "Rock" Roussel. Before long Fred opened his own service station in Harvey, Louisiana where he was a Texaco Retailer for almost 30 years. In 1994 he relocated to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to begin semi-retirement. During the next 22 years, he worked at several Gatlinburg hotels and eventually Dollywood Theme Park. Fred was a people person and loved life to the fullest. His quick wit and infectious smile will be remembered by everyone that knew him. He was predeceased by his parents Frederick John Thoede Sr. and Rose Taravella Thoede, his sister Rosemary Thoede Russo, his granddaughter Holly Elizabeth Thoede and his daughter-in-law Cynthia McGuire Thoede. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 in Sevierville, Tennessee. Interment will be Thursday, January 19, 2017 for 11:00 AM at Westlawn Memorial Park, 1225 Whitney Avenue Gretna, Louisiana. Donations can be made to one of the following: The Dollywood Foundation " My People Fund" ( www.dollywoodfoundation.org ), The Patricia Neal Rehab Institute at Fort Sanders Medical Center ( www.patneal.org ) or the National Kidney Foundation ( www.kidney.org ).
MOTHE FUNERAL HOMES is in charge of local arrangements. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .