Fred May Thrailkill, Jr.

Fred May Thrailkill, Jr. passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Born on May 29, 1945, in Greenwood, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Fred May Thrailkill, Sr. and Edna Smith Thrailkill.

He graduated from Greenwood High School, attended The Citadel, where he played football, and completed his education at Lander University. He later went on to serve on their Board of Trustees.

Fred was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Love Thrailkill. He is survived by his wife, Terri Staggs Thrailkill.

He is also survived by his children, Margaret Porterfield (Jamie) and Ben Thrailkill (Adrianne); his stepchildren, Elizabeth Fields (Jeff) and Benjamin Mason (Susan); and his siblings, Stan Thrailkill (Sally) and Susan Welch. He deeply loved and cherished his eleven grandchildren: Max, Julia, and Jamison Porterfield; Emily, Ben Jr., Jacob, and Johnson Thrailkill; Bolen and Mason Fields; and Walter and Virginia Mason. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Brenda Leopard.

Fred loved the outdoors, and took great pleasure in sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his grandchildren.

A proud veteran, Fred served for 32 years in the South Carolina National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retirement, Fred joined the staff at Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church, where he served as Minister of Outreach. Later, as a member of First Baptist Church Spartanburg, he established a Celebrate Recovery program that continues to serve the community today.

Fred was deeply committed to serving others. He was active in prison ministry and the Jumpstart Program and served on the boards of Faith Home and HOPE Ministries of the Upstate.

Fred had a passion for helping people, especially those struggling with addiction. He had a true gift for encouraging people. He was a man of deep faith who was always ready and eager to share it with others. He will be remembered for his engaging personality, compassionate heart, generous spirit, and genuine care for others. It can truly be said that he never met a stranger.

Visitation will be 9:30-10:45am on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at First Baptist Spartanburg, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am, conducted by Rev. Richard Thomas, Rev. Sal Barone, and Rev. Shawn Parker. Burial will immediately follow in Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1399 Walnut Grove Road, Roebuck, SC 29376.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Spartanburg Celebrate Recovery, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 or H.O.P.E. Ministries of the Upstate, 414 Brawley Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.