Freddy Vonier

Freddy G. (Fred) Vonier of Thomasville passed away on April 21, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born Frederick Jarrard on January 31, 1942 in Tampa, Florida to the late Elwood and Murl Byrd Jarrard. He was later adopted by the late James W. and Ida Jarrard Vonier of Thomas County, where he was raised to work and love the land.

Fred graduated with a degree in accounting in 1963 from Valdosta State University, where he met his sweetheart of more than six decades, Mary Lou Minchew from Blackshear. After graduation, Fred worked as an accountant for Lewis Wilson until his career was interrupted by military service in Vietnam. When he returned home, he worked for Flowers for a time, and later managed Farm Credit.

Then, courageously, Fred returned to his passion and vocation as a man of the land. Overcoming weather, pestilence, and even the policies of the Carter administration, he farmed successfully in eastern Thomas County, near Five Forks, from the 1970s until his retirement. He remained active in the agribusiness industry for a few years post-retirement, as a crop insurance claims investigator. Fred was a member of First Baptist Church in Thomasville, and loved playing golf in his free time with a close-knit group of golfing buddies. He loved rabbits, indigo buntings, good music, and a fine steak.

Fred is survived by his wife Mary Lou Vonier, daughter Jennifer Vonier Mason (Chad) of Tallahassee, grandchildren Katie Mason, Sarah Wychor (Jack), Hannah McKinnon (Chris), great-grandson Finn McKinnon, Aunts Lena Mae McGinty and Genevieve Carter of Thonotosassa, FL, beloved niece Aimee Stevens (James) of Peachtree City, great nieces and nephews Wyatt Stevens, Allison Stevens, Ryan Todd (Danielle), Harrison Todd, Leah Todd, and great-great niece Riley Michelle Todd.

Fred is preceded in death by his son Jay W. Vonier, sister Clarice Clark, and niece Tracy Todd (Jack) of Dunwoody.

A service to celebrate the life of Fred Vonier will be held on Saturday, April 27th at 11 am in the chapel of the First Baptist Church in Thomasville, with Jimmy Clanton officiating. Due to the Rose Show Festival activities, please arrive early enough to allow for time to park and get to the chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to Georgia Baptist Childrens Home, 9420 Blackshear Highway SE, Baxley, GA 31513 (georgiachildren.org), or St. Francis Wildlife Association, 5580 Salem Rd., Quincy, FL 32352 (stfranciswildlife.org).