Frederick Glover Panke, 76, of Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 4, 2022, at the Warner Community Hospice Center. He grew up locally and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1963. He married the love of his life, Sarah Ruth Murray, in 1964. Together, they raised their two children, Debbie and Ronnie. His family remembers him as loving, generous, wise, and devoted. He was the kind of parent and grandparent that knew how to make you feel special and came to every game, performance, and award ceremony.

After a 33-year career in Sales and Marketing, Fred retired from CSX. Throughout his life, he was very active in his community and spent many hours volunteering at the ballpark and food banks. He was instrumental in the development of the John Muir Ecological Park during his time on the Yulee Historic Council. In 2013, he was the Grand Marshal for the Yulee Holiday Parade. Fred enjoyed perusing a good garage sale, taking care of his yard, and fishing in his free time. He and Sarah also enjoyed spending time with their many friends, several of whom they came to know through their square-dancing days with Sweet Art Squares and their church, Yulee United Methodist. In his later years, he took great pride in his Christmas light display during the holidays. Nothing made him happier than time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-granddaughters.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Pauline Panke; his in-laws, Leon Murray and Eula Mae Smith; and his brothers-in-law, Edward Collins and Gary Murray. He leaves behind his spouse of 58 years, Sarah Panke; his sister and brother, Mary-Ann Collins and Russell (Brenda) Panke; a sister-in-law, Caroline Murray; two children, Debbie (Neil) Little and Ronnie Panke; two grandchildren, Lonnie (Stephanie) Little and Laici (Jacob) Grice; and four great-granddaughters, Lindsay Little, Sydney Little, Lilah Grice, and Jessa Grice; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he loved dearly.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

He will be laid to rest in Hughes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Warner Community Hospice Center or Yulee United Methodist Food Bank.