Frederick James Moorehead

Frederick James Moorehead, born on May 24, 1946, in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on November 13, 2024, in Suffolk, VA. He was 78 years old. Loved ones knew him as Freddie, but he was Mr. Fred in the community. He was a true New Yorker who always kept it real. He was well known for his smile, bluntness, genuine character, sharp sense of humor, and deep love for his family.

Freddie graduated from George Wingate High School in 1964. In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  He achieved his Associate of Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force with a Major in Aviation Maintenance Technology. He also attended Tidewater Community College and completed the Certificate Studies program for the City of Portsmouth. His dedication and leadership were exemplified during his 20 years of service, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring in 1986. During his military career, Freddie traveled to many places. His favorite journey was to Madrid, Spain, and he often shared that with many people. Following his military career, Freddie continued to serve his community. He retired from Howmet Aerospace in Hampton, Virginia, and then retired for the third time from the City of Portsmouth Public Utilities Department in 2008.

Throughout his life, Freddie engaged in numerous activities. During high school, he was on the swim team, a lifeguard during the summer, served on the student patrol, and was a civil worker. While serving in the military, he also played basketball for the 1981 All-Star Team at Langley Air Force Base. Freddie was always the life of the party and enjoyed listening to many artists, especially the late Quincy Jones. Before his health declined, Freddie enjoyed traveling to visit his cousins “the girls” in Blue Creek and even more cousins in Philly. He would gather yearly for dinner with his buddies from Spain to celebrate their May birthdays. He would also travel back home to New York almost every year after settling in Virginia to reminisce on the good times with his family. He made it very clear to others during his travels to always carry a roll of toilet paper and clean underwear.

Freddie is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Vanessa Moorehead; his four daughters: Brooque Robinson (Ernest), Alexis Taylor (Sol), Diondra King (Timothy), & Jasmine Joe (Kristopher); one son, Darrin Moorehead; one brother, James “Ed” Moorehead; one sister in law, Ada S. Johnson; two brother in laws, George A. Stephens, Jr. & Clayton Stephens; one nephew, Khalid Price; one niece “the one that listened” Chimere Adams (Harold); four grandchildren Myson, Hunter, Brooklynne, & his boo-boo Kayla. He also leaves behind two great-nieces, Destyni & Nalani, one great-nephew, Mekhi, & many close friends & family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (nee Broadnax) and James Moorehead. His brother, Forest “Billy” Moorehead, was also preceded during his passing.

Freddie’s legacy of teaching others the moral principles and values of wisdom, wealth, and family will forever be cherished by those who loved him.