Frederick "Fred" Gernand

Frederick Charles Gernand passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the age of 85 surrounded by his family. Fred was born on April 8, 1935 to Frederick Ernest Gernand and Caroline Eleanor Gernand in Galveston, TX. He graduated from Ball High School in 1953. He worked in food retail for A&P from 1951-1975. He then worked for and retired from Randall’s in 1997.

He met Bette Gay Alsup in high school, and they were married on June 5, 1954. It was a romance that lasted 45 years, until Bette’s passing in 1999. They lived in Galveston and Houston, and together they had three children. Fred married Carol Jane Hill on January 27, 2001. They were married 20 years, through Fred’s passing.

He was an avid gardener with a green thumb and could frequently be found in the backyard tending to his tomatoes, okra, and other plants that no one could grow as well as Fred. His family and friends enjoyed his talents in the garden and kitchen through generous gifts of pralines, pickles, and various produce. Fred also enjoyed the opportunity to tell a good joke or play a prank on his available audience.

He was a member at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas.

Fred is survived by his wife, Carol Gernand; his sisters JoAnn Sneed and Mary Jane Gould; his children with Bette, Chuck Gernand and his wife Becky; Brenda Reynolds and her husband Greg; Tom Gernand and his wife Lora; grandchildren Jeremy Gernand and his wife Alison; Courtney Cartwright and her husband David; Tim Gernand and his wife Kate; Brittany Cheatheam and her husband Trevor; Dara Gernand; Paige Schoolcraft and her husband Cooper; and Marc Reynolds. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely and bragged on them to anyone who would listen.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Bette Gay Gernand; his parents Frederick Ernest Gernand and Caroline Eleanor Gernand; his sisters, Dorothy Jean Brumit and Carolyn Marie Gernand; and brother-in-law Ken Sneed.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 17th at Hayes Grace Memorial Park at, 10708 State Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX 77563.

The family would like to thank everyone at Ashton Medical Lodge in Midland for all their care and compassion.