http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1887813128/?tag=2022091-20
1996
The second son of Fred Gillam Birchmore and Nela Rebecca Agnew, Fred was born November 29, 1911 in their home on Dougherty Street close to downtown Athens. He claimed to have been sickly as a young child, but improved his physique by engaging in vigorous sporting workouts at the Athens YMCA, where he remained a lifelong active member.
As a student-athlete at the University of Georgia, he excelled in gymnastics and was a Southern Conference boxing champion. Fred also possessed a clear tenor and sang in the University Glee Club.
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Fred remained at the university to earn his Master of Arts in English and his law degree. He then traveled to Cologne, Germany to participate in an International Exchange Student Program and study for a Doctorate of Law.
During the semester breaks he and fellow students would take bicycle tours throughout neighboring countries, and while on a tour into Egypt Fred's papers were stolen and he was unable to return to Germany in time for the next semester.
In the spring of 1939, he left his law practice and set out on a trip around North America. Returning to Athens, he was giving lectures, writing, and while leading a youth group on a hiking expedition. After the honeymoon, he took a position as dean and professor of English at South Georgia College, Douglas. Since 1946 he was the owner of Athens Realty Co. in Athens, Georgia.
For many years he sang in the choir of First Methodist Church. During his senior years he also was an active member of the First Methodist Church.
Fred and his wife were vigorous participants in the life of the Athens Community. Fred was a leader of both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, founder of the Athens Bird Club, creator of many hiking and nature trails in area parks, a proponent of Athens as the site for many facilities such as the State Botanical Garden, and a lifetime and active member of the First Methodist Church. He also remained active in Kiwanis Club of Athens throughout his life, serving as lieutenant governor, and as chairman of the Sunshine Committee, one of his favorite assignments.
Fred was beloved for his inspiring and encouraging of others. He often said that in his travels what impressed him most was the kindness of strangers and the hospitality of even the poorest, given the chance, and that a greater sense of humanity was paramount.
He married his beloved and devoted wife, Willa Deane, on December 21, 1939. His family was really huge: two sons, Fred C.Birchmore of San Diego, CA; Daniel A. Birchmore of Athens and Nashville, Tenn.; two daughters, Rebecca Birchmore Campen and husband Tom of Savannah, Georgia; Melinda Birchmore Musick and husband Joe of Huntsville, Alabama; eight grandchildren: Christy Jane Bedingfield Kraeuter, Marvin Bradford Bedingfield, Herbert Marvin Bedingfield, Fred Birchmore IV, Katherine Rose Birchmore Pettis. Joseph Alexander Musick, Katherine Thach Musick, Michael Carter Musick, and eight greatgrandchildren; niece Sally Birchmore Wildman of Athens, two greatnieces.
