Frederick Matthew Andrews – known lovingly by most as Uncle Freddy, was born the second of two siblings, on September 24th 1970 in Fallon Nevada to his parents Fred and Beverly Andrews and sister Traci. He passed away on May 10th 2022 in Casa Grande Arizona or ‘Big House’ as Fred would put it.
Fred grew up in Hayward California and had an active childhood where he played little league, skateboarded and rode bikes around town. Most of the time he could be found with his friends Dan, Steve, and Mark where they enjoyed a sunny California adolescence. In High School, Fred showed an aptitude for performing and was cast in many plays and drew sold out audiences due to his magnetic performances. Throughout his life he always continued to entertain those who surrounded him with his original sense of humor. Most would not know that Fred was actually a shy person.
Fred was a proud father and husband. Fred’s only son, Frederick Riley Andrews was born in Hayward, CA on September 5th 1993. Fred met his wife, Renee, while working at Rucker Fuller in Hayward, California. They started as co-workers and friends but rapidly became inseparable. They married in South Lake Tahoe on March 15th, 1998 before friends and family. Fred and Renee remained happily married for twenty-four years. Fred was very happy and proud to be a father to Riley. Fred and Riley shared many common interests and truly enjoyed each other’s company. Fred and family often entertained and opened their house to everyone. If you came over you were treated like family. Fred and Renee loved to throw their annual Halloween party. There was no lack of decorations and they were always creative with their costumes. Fred carried on many family traditions around the holidays and brought the cheer and fun to the next level.
Fred and Renee moved to Arizona in 2019 where they were close to family. They enjoyed the desert landscape, rocks, and gazing up at Arizona’s desert night sky. Fred enjoyed watching the plane traffic overhead and would often say that he could fly and land a commercial airplane if he had to.
Fred was an extraordinary man of many talents. He had a unique and infectious personality. Fred was a rare person who could walk into any room (or crowd) and instantly make everyone laugh and want to buy him a drink. He made friends instantly and had many lifelong friendships that he truly cherished.
He loved to cook and created many amazing dishes as well as put his spin on many Andrews family recipes. Often adding a signature spiciness. There were some batches of signature Chili that were not for the faint of heart!
He was a driver through and through and loved good ol’ American muscle. Fred owned many muscle cars throughout the years. The residents of Manteca California still tell stories about ‘the asshole in the black Mustang’ to this day.
Fred loved music. He was a diehard Pearl Jam fan and also enjoyed Metallica, Guns ‘n Roses, Led Zeppelin, Prince, John Denver, Dolly Parton, James Brown, and many others. Fred always had the biggest speakers on the block, but instead of annoying the neighbors, he would befriend them.
Fred loved sports, he played baseball and basketball growing up. He was a lifetime ‘Fredskins’ fan and enjoyed rooting for the Suns. He shared the love of NASCAR with his parents and attended many races throughout his life rooting for many drivers but most notably number 18, Bobby Labonte. Fred was an avid Table Tennis player. He was known to show up to a party, paddle in hand, and begin playing before saying hello. Fred was dangerous with a ping pong paddle and had one of the best serves in the game.
Fred was a comedian without a mic (unless you handed him one). His life was his stage and he was always on fire. Anyone who knew him, even in passing, has a Fred joke or a nick-name given by Fred. Fred will live on through his humor. Anytime anyone says “very well” (or responds ‘Very VERY well’…which is the only proper response) or communicates through a series of clicks to indicate they want you to hand them something, Fred will look down and laugh.
Fred made a lasting impression on those he knew. He was everyone’s Uncle Freddy and he was always willing to help anyone who needed him without question. He had a heart of gold and a quiet wisdom. He was a terrific husband, father, uncle, and friend. He will always be in our hearts. When we think of Fred we won’t be able to keep from smiling. Which is what Fred would want. Happy thoughts and fond memories. Paddle up!
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 at 1pm at The Ovation Community Center at Meridian, 39837 N Maddox Rd., Queen Creek, AZ, 85140.