Fred Hagans

Our beloved father, Fred Hagans, Sr., (82), of Longwood, Florida, peacefully passed away on December 16, 2022. Fred leaves behind so many people who loved him. He is survived by his son, Fred Hagans, Jr. (Michael), daughter, Cheryl Hetrick (Terry), along with his grandchildren, Zachary Hagans, Ryan McGraw (Amy), Shawn Hetrick (Miranda) and Raegan Hetrick (Erik). Fred is also survived by his loving sisters, Moselle Gilbreath (Jim) and Linda Washington (John). Fred had four great grandchildren who referred to him as "Call Dad" and enjoyed talking to him and hearing him laugh. They will miss his laughter and love. Mason, Layla, Melody and Lucy will be comforted by many fond memories.
Fred was born in Quincy, Florida to Moses and Lettie Hagans; both of whom have preceded him in death. He would often talk about growing up on a farm and the impact it made on his life.
On December 26, 1945, Fred, along with his sister, Louise, were severely burned in the family home. Lucky for the world, he and Louise survived third degree burns and, after months of hospitalization, were back to playing with their large family.
The Hagans family moved to Central Florida in the late 1940's and raised their eight children in the area. Central Florida remained Fred's home until his death.
Fred served in the United States Army for three years and was very proud to be a Veteran. He believed in the values and virtue of this nation and felt blessed to be an American.
Fred was a hard worker who spent his professional career as a truck driver for Frito Lay. Fred was an excellent driver who successfully drove over a million miles without a safety violation. After driving a truck for more than thirty years, he rose in rank and became traffic manager of the Orlando plant. Fred loved working with the drivers and staff at Frito Lay.
Hard work, dedication and commitment to family were the binding fibers of our father. After our grandmother passed away in 1985, Dad became guardian of his two special needs brothers, Kenneth (Kenny/Bud) and James. As a promise made and consequently kept, our dad watched over his two brothers until their deaths in 2019 and 2021. He worried about them, visited with them, gave them spare change, laughed and sang with them throughout the years. Dad became a fixture at Howell Branch Court and was respected and loved by the staff as well as the patients of the facility. Dad considered this his 'assignment' from God and was proud to take on the role.
In December 2019, Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer followed by a second diagnosis of Stage 4 skin cancer. He underwent 111 radiation treatments and did so with the best attitude. Dad took this diagnosis with pure acceptance and counted down to the end of the treatment series knowing God had him and he would be ok. Enduring the pain yet never complained. Our father was the strongest person known to us and maintained a spirit of grace under tiresome circumstances. He gave glory to God when he conquered cancer.
In May of this year, Dad began having health problems. In October, after months of pain, fatigue, weight loss and no answers, Dad was admitted to the hospital with sepsis and endocarditis. As done so many times before, Dad faced this challenge and overcame the obstacles. A true warrior. Trusting God. Loving his family and never giving up.
On November 30th, Dad was readmitted due to endocarditis. Unfortunately, treatment had failed and open heart surgery was the only viable option. Dad prayed, sought counsel, asked opinions, listened to the experts and finally decided to move forward with surgery.

Three days before his 82nd birthday and one day prior to surgery, we celebrated him in the hospital. It was a great day! Dad laughed, ate cupcakes, opened silly gifts and was at peace.
The staff of Orlando Regional Medical Center did what they could to repair the damage to his heart. Unfortunately, our dad suffered a brain injury and stroke during the hours long procedure.
After four days in the ICU, we made the heart-wrenching decision to remove life support and allow him to die with dignity and grace. He was surrounded by loved ones.
Fred was a Christian and loved the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was never ashamed of his faith and sought to live a good life, lead by example and tell others of the sacrifice Christ made for them. Fred was a longtime member of First Baptist Orlando. Previous to First Baptist, he attended St. John's Lutheran Church.
We are so fortunate to have had this man as our father. The lessons learned are numerous. Fred was never late; fifteen minutes early was late for him. His house was clean, took good care of his belongings and was thankful for all he was given. Our dad was a hard worker with a deep rooted work ethic. He was a good mechanic, carpenter, plumber and 'jack of all trades' who could build or fix anything. He loved to laugh. He did so with great enthusiasm.
His legacy will live on as we will continue to tell his stories, laugh at silly jokes, sing goofy songs and share the love of Jesus. To him, his faith in everlasting life were so very important. Our dad did not refer to death as the end; instead it is only the beginning. He often referred to his day as his Graduation Day. Graduation to him meant he would finally be reunited with his Mama, Daddy, sisters, brothers and countless loved ones and friends who've gone on to live an eternal life. He would bask in the glory of God and touch Jesus.
Dad, we will miss you every day. You will never be forgotten nor far from thought. We will hold on to the lessons taught, love shared and laughter heard. We will work every day to make you proud.
For now, Dad, we want to wish you the very happiest Graduation Day! You arrived, and are in the arms of your Lord and are most certainly Valedictorian of Heaven.
We love you...more.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Orlando Health Foundation in Fred's honor.