Fred Elton Burch

Fred Elton Burch, age 90, of Grand Ridge, Florida, passed away on August 9, 2026, at his home. He was born on December 31, 1935, in Blountstown, Florida, and lived a life of hard work, faith, humor, and devotion to his family and community.

 Fred was a proud Christian man who loved the Lord and carried his faith with him throughout his life. He was known by those who loved him as a family man, a jokester, and a steady presence who could always be counted on for a kind word, a quick smile, or a well-timed joke. 

 Throughout his working life, he built and supported businesses that served the people of his community. At one time, Fred owned the Grand Ridge General Store and the Spanish Trail Motel in Bonifay. He was also the owner of Burch Telephone for 40 years and first established rural telephone service in many parts of Jackson and Calhoun counties in the 1950s, providing an important connection for families and businesses across the region. His leadership and vision were recognized early, and he was honored as the youngest vice president to date in the United States under ITC in the 1960s.

Fred was also deeply involved in civic and fraternal organizations. He was a life member of Mason Lodge 169 in Grand Ridge and served as President of the Lions Club of Donalsonville, Georgia. His commitment to service reflected the values he lived by every day, and he took great pride in being part of organizations that supported others and strengthened the community. His faith was also an important part of his life and service. Fred previously served as a deacon at Shady Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church and later as a deacon at Grand Ridge Baptist Church. He was faithful in his church life and was respected for his devotion, humility, and willingness to serve wherever needed.

 Fred also had a deep love for the outdoors and adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman who traveled the world hunting big game, including trips to Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. He harvested many different kinds of game over the years, including moose, grizzly bear, caribou, every species of deer, and all six species of turkey in which he accomplished the task of World Turkey Slam. Fred enjoyed the challenge and beauty of the outdoors and treasured the memories made along the way.

 In addition to his many accomplishments, Fred was skilled with his hands and took pride in his abilities as a carpenter, woodworker, and electrician. He was a man who knew how to build, repair, and create, and he used those talents throughout his life in both work and daily living.

 He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Burch and his parents, Benjamin and Maude Simpson Burch.  

Fred is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Johnson (Mike); son, Freddy Burch, Jr. (Shirley); sister-in-law, Merita Stanley; grandchildren, Anthony Burch (Shannon), Hilton Burch (Jamie), Freda Tart (Paul), Luke Johnson (Kristy), Seth Johnson (Jacy), Chase Johnson (Michaela); great grandchildren, Logan, Kaitlyn, Braden, Bryce, Amber, Allison, Clayton, Noah, Reese, Addie, Braylon, Hadley and Colden; and nine great great grandchildren.

 Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Grand Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Caron Harns officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Grand Ridge Baptist Church.

Those serving as pallbearers will be: Luke Johnson, Seth Johnson, Chase Johnson, Hilton Burch, Anthony Burch and Logan Burch.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Grand Ridge Baptist Church (2093 Porter Ave. Grand Ridge, FL 32442).

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Emerald Coast Hospice Staff and to Jenny and January for caring for Fred just as if he was family. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. 

Condolences may be made at www.mariannachapelfh.com