Obituary of Freddie Manuel

Freddie Manuel was born on March 30, 1942, to the late Will and Mahalia Manuel. To this union, four children were born: Daisy, Manuel, J.C. McGhee, Freddie Manuel, and Elnora Manuel, Jones.
 
Freddie attended Duncan Elementary School and graduated from Broad Street High School in Shelby, Mississippi. During his high school years, Freddie excelled in both baseball and basketball. He cultivated a strong work ethic, even as a young child, he would often work in the fields after school. His teachers would occasionally find him working in the fields and would request permission to interrupt his work so that he could participate in the school basketball team. In addition to working in the fields, Freddie also helped raise his younger sister Elnora Jones. He often prepared meals, changed her diapers and kept her entertained. 

Freddie, raised in the church, found the Lord at Virgin Mary Baptist Church. His signature voice filled any room as he sang in the choir.
In 1967, Freddie met Clara Smith, and they tied the knot on December 10, 1967. Together, they blessed the world with ten wonderful children: Burke Manuel, Freddie Manuel Jr., Carla Butler, Jennifer Washington, Daquinn Manuel, Albert Manuel, Shavonna Conquest, Cleopatra Manuel, Emmanuel Cornwell, and Dominick Manuel. Freddie was a devoted father who cherished and cared for his family with all his heart. He passed down his soulful voice to his children, making them just like him. 

Freddie was a man of immense strength and pride, yet he remained humble and down-to-earth. Despite his remarkable accomplishments, he never indulged in excessive boasting. He made history as the first African American postal worker in Williamson, New York, where he raised his children. Additionally, he served in the Senate, representing migrant workers for several years. After his retirement from Seneca Foods, where he occupied the position of forklift operator, Freddie continued to find fulfillment in his work. He was a dedicated educator, embodying the importance of unwavering integrity and a strong work ethic.

Freddie was a sports enthusiast who could be heard cheering on the TV during WWF matches from miles away. He was also an avid reader and a strong believer in education. He started the college fund at Upper Room Church of God in Christ, where he attended church with his family. Alongside his fellow church members, he actively participated in building the Upper Room Church. Freddie was known for his hard work and ability to seize opportunities. So much so, that he managed to graduate college with his bachelor’s degree at the remarkable age of 70. 

Freddie was a huge believer in family and made sure his kids had everything they needed. He was always there for them, cheering them on at every track meet, wrestling match, basketball game, softball game, choir, and band. He taught them the importance of hard work, faith, and sticking together. He even taught his grandchildren how to walk, cook, read, and most importantly, have fun. He loved to dance and showed his daughter Carla how to do the twist and the monkey. He loved chatting with friends and family on the phone, shopping with his son-in-law, and showering his grandchildren with treats, snacks, and little gifts. He was incredibly proud of his children and the kids in his neighborhood. Even amidst his struggles, he would softly say, “I wanted to take care of you all.” 

On May 31, 2025, Freddie Manuel passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Clara Manuel, and their 10 children: Burke (Sharon) Manuel, Freddie Dion Manuel Jr., Carla Butler, Jennifer (Eugene) Washington Daquinn (Melissa) Manuel, Albert Manuel, Shavonna (Tocarra) Conquest, Cleopatra Manuel, Emmanuel Cornwell (Ashley Jenkins), and Dominic Manuel. Freddie also had a sister, Elnora Jones, and a very special friend, Vivian Strawberry. His 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and a loving circle of nieces, nephews, and friends. Freddie was preceded in death by his father Will Manuel and his mother Mahalia Manuel, brother JC Mcghee, nephew Henry Jones, and niece Cassandra Hilaire.