Fred Dinkins

Fred R. Dinkins, 99, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Dec. 1, 1903, in Henry County, Tenn., son of James S. and Tennie Nash Dinkins. He and Lillian Hopper were married April 7, 1931, in Yuma, Tenn. She died Dec. 21, 1984.

Fred graduated from Murray State University with a teaching degree, and received a master's degree in education from Peabody College. He was the last of 10 children and the only one to earn a college degree.

He taught elementary and high school science in Carroll and Obion counties and for more than 40 years in western Tennessee.

Fred moved to Cape Girardeau in 1985. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, and was a longtime deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and Sunday School teacher in Tennessee. He was a former member of Carroll County Lions Club.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jim A. and Betsy L. Dinkins of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Jonathan Dinkins of Cape Girardeau, Rebecca Hargrove of Memphis, Tenn., Laura Norman of Cape Girardeau; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and three sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Rev. Phil Davidson will officiate.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Liberty Missionary Baptist Cemetery in Cedar Grove, Tenn.