Mr. Frederick Clarence "Fred" Radford, 86, of Hartwell, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Fred was surrounded by his four babies on the day of his passing. His two children, Anthony Radford of Kingsland, GA, and Suzanne Rowley of Loganville, GA, along with his two grandchildren, Christopher Rowley and Meredith Ewing.

Fred is survived by his wife, Alma Daughtry Radford, children, grandchildren, and two bonus grandchildren by marriage Andrew Ewing and Jessica Rowley. Most importantly, he was blessed by his 4 great grandchildren: Warren, Trenton, Asher and Lilith Claire.

Mr. Radford is also survived his brother: Maurice Radford (Margaret) of Albemarle, NC; two sisters: Carol DeSantis of Sterrett, AL, and Pam Watson (David) of Little River, SC; and several nieces & nephews also survive.

Born on January 7, 1939 in Kenly, NC, he was the son of the late Major Clarence Radford and Iva Louise Lamm Radford. Mr. Radford received his BS in Mathematics from North Carolina State University, and was a self-employed computer consultant. He served as the former computer consultant for Georgia-Pacific and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Fred was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, and the Lions Club of Hartwell.

Fred was a hero we adored. He showed such great love and adoration for each of us. From secret candy bars shared, to dollars slipped into your palm... to hours spent talking over our problems of early adulthood and beyond. He was a calm presence of safety. He lived a full life. He spent over 60 years loving his wife, Alma Radford. He took care of her in health and finally in sickness. He fulfilled his marital vows until his body could no longer.

We'll cherish many summers of fun on the boat followed by meals of ribs cooked and blessed by his prayers; playing card games into the night together and consistently being beat at the game of Chronology. He taught each of us so much about life. May we continue to be lifelong learners.

We've all been forever changed by knowing him. He's on example of being the hands and feet of Jesus; fearlessly leading his family the best way he knew how.

The family will receive friends Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.  Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

It was Mr. Radford's wishes to be cremated and a memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home with Dr. Stuart Lang officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell St, Hartwell, GA 30643, or the Lions Club of Hartwell Scholarship Fund.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" - Psalm 73:26

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.