Jesup, Ga.

Frederick M. Donica, Jr., 77, died Wednesday, February 17, 2016 in Wayne Memorial Hospital after an extended illness.  The Lynchburg, Virginia native lived in several places and moved to Winchester, Virginia in 1952. He was educated in Winchester School System, graduated in 1956 from Handley High School and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was always a proud "Hokie". He entered the U.S. Navy in January 1962 serving aboard Air Craft Carriers USS Saratoga and USS Intrepid then served in Pensacola, Florida as a Helicopter Flight Instructor. After eight years, he left the service to accept an engineering position in Jacksonville, Florida, moved to Jesup in 1976 and after 25 years with Rayonier, he retired in 2001. Fred was a member of Jesup First United Methodist Church where he had served on many committees and was a member of the Men's Bible Class. He was an active member and past president of the Jesup Kiwanis Club, member and past president of the Jesup Shrine Club, member of the Jesters, as well as having served on the Jesup Housing Authority. His activities as a Mason included: Master Mason, Royal Arch Mason, Royal and Select Master, Commandery Knights Templar, Allied Masonic Degree, York Rite College, High Priesthood, Knight Crusader of the Cross, Super Excellent Master, Knight of the York Cross of Honor, Anointed High Priest of Georgia, Past High Priest of the 11th District of Royal Arch Masons of Georgia, and member of Alee Shrine. In addition, he coached Little League Football and Baseball for fourteen years in his younger years which were among his most cherished memories.

Survivors are his wife of 53 years, Janet Kay Stanley Donica of Jesup; son, Frederick M. Donica, III (DeeAnna) of Jacksonville, Florida; daughter, Sharon Faye Spradley (Jeremiah) of Jesup; granddaughter, Madison Kay Spradley of Jesup; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Ulmer of Jacksonville, Florida; brother, Richard B. Donica of Pooler; sister-in-law, Carolyn Lebo (Steve) of Hemet, California; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2016 at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Tucker Lewis officiating. Graveside service will follow with full Masonic Rites conducted by Clyde Griffin in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Richard Galloni, Richard Burns, Dr. Ronnie Harris, Bob Gill, Darren Donica and Tom Freeman. Honorary pallbearers will be Jesup Kiwanis Club Members and Free Masons.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00, Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Morris Slotin Children's Travel Fund, c/o Alee Shrine Temple, P O Box 14147, Savannah, GA 31416 or Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.rinehartandsons.com .

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.