Fred Linkous

Fred Robert Linkous, 92, passed away peacefully in his home on August 12, 2024 with his loving wife and daughters by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Fred was born on June 12, 1932 in Westbourne, TN and graduated from Jacksboro High School where he met the love of his life, Wilma Lay Linkous. They were married for 67 years. Fred taught Marketing and Distributive Education at Bradley Central High School and retired there in 1994. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication and passion for helping young people in the community. Fred loved Cleveland, and was a long time member of First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. He also served in the United States Navy. He was stationed in Hawaii and Astoria Oregon. Fred had a love for world travel. He visited 49 out of 50 states, and visited Alaska 5 times, and many other countries. In his free time he enjoyed riding his bike on the Greenway. He averaged 10 miles a day well into his 80's. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons-in-laws and grandsons. But more than anything, he was a devoted father and husband. He loved his family fiercely and was enormously proud of them all. Fred was a people person, and he never met a stranger. He had an incredible love for life and was always up for an adventure. Fred loved and served the Lord and exhibited it every day in the way he loved people. Fred is survived by his beautiful bride of 67 years, Wilma Linkous, his daughters Gwen Turpin (David) and Connie Hooper (Greg), and his grandchildren Morgan Bussey (Anthony), Reed Turpin (Violaine), Alexander Hooper, Hayes Hooper, and great-grandchildren Norah Bussey and Margot Bussey. He is preceded in death by Nell Hayes Linkous (mother), Fred Rosco Linkous (father), and his three sisters June Parker, Freda McAfee, and Peggy Sharpe. He left behind other special friends, neighbors, and loved his caretaker Delilah Baine like his own daughters. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. He will be missed by his family dearly until we are reunited again in heaven. Fred's family will receive friends from 1pm until 3pm on Saturday August 17th at Companion Funeral & Cremation Service in the "Ridge Chapel." A celebration of his life will follow the visitation at 3pm. Fred will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday August 19th at 10:30am. You are invited to share a personal memory of Fred or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Linkous family with these arrangements.