‘Man for all times’: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ father passes away at 100

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced the passing of his 100-year-old father, Freddie Lee Demings, on Tuesday.

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His family said Freddie Demings passed away peacefully.

“He was known as a ‘man for all times’ for his laughter, smile, and wit. He will be deeply missed by all,” Mayor Demings said.

Read: Who is Jerry Demings, Orange County’s first African American mayor?

Demings released the following statement about his father’s life and legacy:

“It is with great sadness that Mayor Jerry L. Demings announces the peaceful passing of his beloved father, Freddie Lee Demings, at the age of 100 years young.

Freddie Lee Demings was born on September 12, 1922, to Fred Green and Levy Demings in Luverne Alabama. He was one of ten siblings. After high school, Mr. Demings moved to Apopka, Florida and began his first job picking oranges.

He met the love of his life, the late Josephine Williams, while working at the Florida State Tuberculosis Sanitarium. They were united in marriage on August 19, 1944, and were blessed with five beautiful children, Dorothy, Joseph, Sandra, Terry, and Jerry.

Freddie Lee Demings worked numerous jobs to take care of his family, including a lineman for Southern Bell, a truck driver for Long Meat Packing, and a small business owner/entrepreneur of a fish market and convenience store. He retired at the age of 80 as a taxi driver with Mears Transportation after providing 50 years of dedicated service.

He was deeply devoted to his family and is survived by his children, seventeen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Freddie Lee Demings enjoyed fishing, playing solitaire, and checkers, and was also known as a “man for all times” for his laughter, smile, and wit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”

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