Fred Douglas Gooch Jr., 81, passed away Monday, March 21, 2016, after living a life full of love, laughs, and an ever-present sly grin. Above all, Fred spent his life fully devoted to his family, and to Jesus, his Savior.

Fred was born September 27, 1934 in Raleigh, NC. After graduating from Broughton High School where he pitched on the baseball team, he served four years in the army, attaining the rank of corporal. After leaving the military, he began to work for a gas company in High Point, NC, where he met his wife, Betty Jo. He later returned to Raleigh, changing careers to become a garden shop manager, allowing him to pursue his love of the outdoors and cultivation.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Maggie Gooch; brothers, Sherwood and James; sisters, Inez and Lucille and his wife, Betty Jo. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Gooch; daughter, Janet Mitchell; sisters, Margaret Johnson and Bea Neal; grandchildren, Anthony Rhodes, Erin Mitchell, and Wes Mitchell (Buffy); stepdaughter, Hope Grant (Jarett) and their son, Jensen.

Services celebrating Fred's life and legacy will be held Friday, March 25, 2016 at The Raleigh First Church of the Nazarene 1329 Highway 70 West, Garner; Reverend Jim Stewart, officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am and the funeral service from 11-11:30 am. At the conclusion of the services, the family will receive friends at the repast from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm which will be followed by interment at Montlawn Memorial Park. Services have been entrusted to Montlawn Funeral Home 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh.