Meet Mr. Fred Wilson! He is a shining light in our community who is affectionately known by everyone as “Mr. Fred.” He has served as a police officer with the Jefferson Police Department and a pastor at Homer First Baptist Church for the past 32 years.
Mr. Fred was born and raised in Jackson County. His family farmed different farms around the area. In 1950, his family moved into the City of Jefferson. Mr. Fred attended Bryan High School and had various jobs as a teenager including working at W.L. Robinson Shoe Store, Whitehead’s Café, and the Commerce Telephone Company. He joined the Army and served for 25 years before he retired honorably for his service.
Q: Please tell us about your current or past career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: After retiring from the military, Mr. Fred moved back to Jefferson and has worked as a Police Officer for the Jefferson Police Department. At the same time, he became the Pastor at Homer First Baptist Church. Mr. Fred has worked at both professions for over 32 years. He likes meeting people, helping young people to mature, and earning the respect of others by showing them respect. Mr. Fred says of these two jobs, “You can lock them up and save them.”
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: Otis Victrum was the Police Chief in the late 1980s. He approached Mr. Fred about being an officer. Mr. Fred didn’t feel this was the profession for him, but Chief Victrum said he would send Mr. Fred to the Police Academy for training, and 32 year later, here he is. Being an officer has allowed him to meet some fantastic people in our community over the years.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in your community?
A: “Beef O’ Brady’s, Hardee’s, and Sugar & Spice (it is the old jail).”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in your community?
A: Mr. Fred was born and raised in Jackson County. He has lived here all of his life except when he was in the military.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in your community?
A: There are so many wonderful people that he can’t name just one. Mr. Fred loves that he knows many people, and they know him, especially the kids.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: Mr. Fred would love to go back to Germany. He was stationed there in the Army, and he still has friends that live there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: Any of the preaching channels (e.g. TBN, channel 57). He watches Jensen Franklin, Joel Osteen, and Kenneth Copeland.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Live the life you talk about. Their beliefs and faith is the greatest thing. Actions speak louder than words. Be true to yourself and others. Live so you can help somebody.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about your community?
A; There are so many local businesses that have helped the growth of our community. There is so much growth these days. From the past Mr. Fred remembers Happy Hollow, Blue Heaven Café, and the Dew Drop Inn.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “It’s a growing community, people get along, and people who are raised here remain friendly and come to your rescue.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: Getting along with people. He wants to still have good health and a strong mind.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: Mr. Fred does not cuss nor does he play around a lot. He believes in carrying himself in a way that honors his family. His grandfather told his mother to “make sure you make something out of that boy.”
Q: What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Family, Relaxation, Responsibility.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: Louisiana. He was stationed there in the military.
Q: Favorite month? Holiday? And best single day on the calendar?
A: “December. Easter. The 4th of July.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: His parents, grandparents, and Mrs. Hazel Moore (school teacher who encouraged him to go into the military)
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Fragrant flowers and food.”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
Mr. Fred’s cousin, Thomas Hardy
