Athens Native and Wonder Fred Birchmore Dies at 100
Cyclist, world traveler, Boy Scout leader, Kiwanian, Methodist, amazing person.
On Sunday morning, Athens Centenarian, Kiwanian and world traveler Fred Birchmore died. An Athens native, he was a fixture at the Athens YMCA after he retired from real estate in 1973, working out almost every day almost until his death. A native of Athens, Mr. Birchmore had both an undergraduate, a master’s and a law degree from UGA. He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Willa Deane, and their four children, Fred, Jr., Belinda, Becky and Danny. “He was in great physical condition his whole life, and was really addicted to exercise and working out,” said fellow Kiwanian Larry Dendy. "He once said the reason he did all of these things was that he had to burn off his energy." There are many tales of his physical prowess. When he was in …
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Sarah Ambrose
8:02 am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Nancy, thank you for posting the video. I moved away from Athens several years ago but grew up seeing Fred almost every Wednesday at church dinners. Hearing his voice again, and the funny spin he puts on things, was wonderful. Fred and Miss Willa Deane have inspired me for years. I am lucky to have known Fred and will cherish forever the copy of his book he signed to me with, "to my good young … more ›