Frederick McCaskill Scarboro, known to many as “Uncle Fred,” 93, of Statesville, N.C., died on December 4, 2020, at home with his niece Cheryl Higgins and her husband Bill by his side.
Fred was born in Montgomery County, N.C., on July 30, 1927, to Floyd Spencer Scarboro and Ella Rae McCaskill. He had 11 siblings, all of whom preceded him in death.
Having spent his childhood in corn and tobacco fields, Fred had what he affectionately called “a full education in farming.” In the late 1930s, he developed a talent for music with his brothers, Bill and Jack. Being particularly fond of string instruments, Fred went on to play upright bass and sing country gospel on the radio with the R.C. Ramblers. His most significant accomplishment was in songwriting. In 1958, inspired by his dreams of travel, Frederick recorded his first solo record with his song “Hula Dance” accompanied by The String Masters. He continued to share his music through visitation at many churches, nursing homes and community functions for many years. A highlight was being a visiting musician on the “Arthur Smith and Tommy Faile Show.”
Fred settled in Statesville in 1956. He married Bobbie Dean King and they had one son, Jimmy Scarboro of Salisbury, N.C. He has two grandchildren, Matthew Scarboro (Salisbury) and Melissa Sorrells (Matthew) of Mt. Ulla. His three great grandchildren are Drake, Kaitlyn, and Kiera Sorrells. Frederick played an integral part in the lives of family members, both immediate and extended. He had many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.
Frederick’s first love was his family followed by his church, music, and work. He was a devoted member of his church, serving in numerous roles over the years. He was a member of the Lighthouse Independent Methodist Church of Statesville.
Frederick worked in the textile industry for 30-plus years. He retired from Fiber Industries, which later became Hoehst Celanese Industries.
Frederick leaves his son, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces Cheryl Higgins (Bill), Radelle Hough, and Gretchen, Laura, Gail and Libby; great nephew Shane Hough; great nieces Sarah Zachry (Jim) and Jennifer Puckett; great-great nephews Fox and Chris Hough; and many great great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; four nieces, Amy, Arlene, Brenda and Linda; wife, Bobbie Dean Scarboro; daughter-in-lawfe, Amy Scarboro; and numerous other extended family members.
The family extends a special “thank you” to Hospice nurse Tita who lovingly cared for Frederick until his final moments. Special thanks are also extended to Lynn Kunkle, Hospice Chaplain, and to Dr. Andy White.
Frederick Scarboro will lie in state at Nicholson Funeral Home on Friday, December 11, 2020, from noon until 5 p.m. Friends are welcome to pay their last respects at this time. A private family burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
“I want to leave you something. Something better than words, or sounds. Look for me in the people I’ve known, or loved … Love doesn’t die, people do. So, when all that’s left of me is love, give me away. I’ll see you at home, in the earth.” – Merritt Malloy, Epitaph
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28677.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.