HARTFORD, Ky. — Freddie Bennett “Freddie B” Himes, 67, of Hartford, passed away Nov. 20, 2019, at his home. He was born on June 17, 1952, to the Elbert and Ethel Whitler Himes as the last addition to their family.
As a high school student, Freddie B worked part-time for Spinks Pharmacy, WLLS Radio Station, and dispatched for Ohio County Sheriff’s Department where he formed lifelong relationships.
After high school he proudly joined the United States Air Force.
If you knew Freddie B you loved him; from telling stories of his travels to sharing a meal he had created with his friends at the Ohio County Park or simply sitting quietly enjoying the sunset and a drink. He was full of life.
In the time Freddie B spent away from his Kentucky home he enjoyed the Charleston, South Carolina, South of Broad way of life, not so much the social scene as one might imagine but as a handyman to senior citizens in need.
He loved the coastal way of life, living on and restoring an antique wooden yacht cruising the waterways; to the more simplistic pleasures of kayaking coastal swamps, camping, fishing and gunsmithing. He enjoyed spending time on his friend’s old Alabama farm where he made the best Frogmore Stew.
He enjoyed challenges, and his successes are noted by his accomplishments both as a military and civilian member of the Air Force over the 32 years of his career.
He was motivated to encourage others who benefited greatly from his advice and unwavering friendship. Most of all, was the joy he brought to all who were fortunate enough to have come to know a renaissance man in every sense of the word.
Aside from his parents Freddie B was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Lois Himes and Ethel Rae Himes; two brothers, Billy Joe “Pete” Himes and Bobby R. Himes; and one niece, Lisa Mason Chaney.
Freddie B leaves behind to treasure his memories, three sisters, Doris (Bill) Mason, of Beaver Dam, Joan Himes, of Owensboro, Kentucky, and Janice (Howard) Stone, of Hartford; nephews and niece, Terry (Yu Xuewu) Mason, Zach Ashby, Adam (Kelsi) Ashby and Renee (John) Abell; great-nephew and -niece, Bobby (Samantha) Jones and Amanda (Bobby) Hays; great-great-nieces and nephew, Makiah, Hadley, Jesslyn, and Aiden Hays; and two special best friends, Bud Masterson and Jaime Maiden.
A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Hartford, with full military honors provided by the Ohio County Honor Guard. William L. Danks Funeral Home in Beaver Dam has been entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left for the family of Freddie Bennett “Freddie B” Himes by visiting his memorial page at www.danksfuneralhome.com.