Frederick Gray Dame

Like a salty, grizzled character out of The Old Man and the Sea, Fred Dame enjoyed an air of mystery so even here you may have to search for some details about his life.  We'll try to do him justice.

Derf was born outside of Clifton Forge perhaps in a farmhouse near the Cowpasture River, so good luck trying to locate his actual birthplace, because we cannot.  Fred could have made ice cream from cow to icebox starting at 3 years old and often liked to ride a bicycle with his buddies thanks to farm life near Longdale Furnace.

Fred G. later joined the U. S. Navy to see the world and, if you ever passed the time of day with him, some of his fondest memories were about his adventures with the Captain and a funny story about his interaction with Elvis. 

Fred worked for the post office after that time and one of his final smiles before he peacefully passed away at age 84 was his brother Calvin telling a nurse about how Fred wore himself out walking 100,000 miles in postal service. 

Many might know that that Freddie appreciated Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell but who knew that he had eclectic musical tastes including Joy Division, Blondie and Sammy Davis, Jr.?  Freddie was Mr. Bojangles.

From the beginning, Fredders was mischievous always wanting to stir up some good-natured trouble for entertainment--he did not alter his mind with liquor and drugs--so Fredders created his own.  He also loved to say the craziest things just to get a conversation going if you were game.  Elvis? 

After life at the post office, Fred enjoyed relaxing at the beach, once again breathing crisp, sea air.  In his spare time, he threw bocce balls, became a miniature golf professional, and played card games and dominos.  

Fred's parents were Aurelia and Monoval also hailing from Alleghany County.   Fred was loved by many close family members, in addition to Calvin, Donna, Cindy, Keith, Gina, Christina, Douglas and Audrey come to mind.

If you learned something about Fred here, we apologize to our beloved sailor, but we must share our sadness.

The mariner, whose eye is bright,

Whose beard with age is hoar,

Is gone...

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Mr. Dame is entrusted to the care of Kelvin F. Lewis, Funeral Director, and Lewis Crematory & Funeral Services of Myrtle Beach, SC. (843) 294-0011

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