Fred Eugene “Strawberry” Gifford, age 91, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away early Monday morning, April 18, 2022, at Flora Gardens Care Center.

     He was born December 28, 1930, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the son of William Everett and Vada Viola (France) Gifford.  He was united in marriage to Eloise Burgess Phillips on January 1, 1994, and together they have shared 28 wedding anniversaries.

     Fred was raised in Hillsboro, later moving to Clay County at the age of 18 with his foster parents Humphrey and Evelyn Thomas.  He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Korea and Japan where he attained the rank of Sergeant.  Throughout his life Fred farmed, worked at various factories, Norge, Valley Steel, and later retired after 30 years at AMF.  He and Eloise ran a strawberry patch for many years.  He was a member of the Flora First Baptist Church, Flora Masonic Lodge, and Clay County Shrine Club.  He enjoyed watching westerns, fishing, going for drives in the country, and eating at Grandma’s Kitchen and the Tin Cup.      

     He is survived by his wife: Eloise Gifford of Clay City; step-children: Norman Phillips of Flora, Janet (Mark) Weber of Flora, Joncia Phillips of Flora, Barbara (Wesley) Gray of Passport, and Cathy (Gary) Pryor of Waynesville, Missouri; step-grandchildren: Thomas (Kristal) Phillips, Daniel (Haley) Gray, Crystal (Zeb) Lewis, Douglas Gray, Shannon Gray, John (Allison) Pryor, Kristin Pryor, Matthew Pryor, and Kimberly Pryor; step-great-grandchildren: Mark Phillips, Tanner Roberts, Zaiden Lewis, Azaira Lewis, and Ryleigh Gray; brother: William “Bill” Gifford of Hillsboro; sister: Julie Gifford; and his faithful companion, his cat Darkie.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; and 4 brothers: Roland, Jerry, Richard, and Jessie Gifford.  

     A graveside ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Elmwood Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Bill Atwood will officiate.  Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospice and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com