Freddie Epting Jr.

Excellence is the highest quality attributed to one whose attitude and ambitions align with their God-given identity, potential, and Purpose. Through the heart of a servant-minded steward, excellence is no less than living to serve the Lord in a manner that reflects the Excellency of His Name. By doing so, their life becomes a light before others capturing their attention and inspiring their intentions to Glorify the Source of directing their good works.

Excellence depicts the earthly life and godly legacy of Freddie Lee Epting Jr. His life remains a light bearing the testimonial Fruit of an excellent earthly tenure establishing more than sufficient cause for the Celebration of his triumphant transition.

The Glory of His earthly arrival commenced a life that would span the course of fifty years. He was born to the parental stewardship of the late Freddie Lee Epting Sr. and Gloria Marie Threats on August 23, 1972, in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was reared in the fear and admonition of the Lord and inspired to settle his eternal destiny when he received Jesus Christ as His personal Savior.

He engaged his formal education in the Harrison County School District, where he graduated from Harrison Central High School in 1991. After graduation, Freddie’s God-given ambitions would lead him to enlist in the United States Army on July 7, 1992. While on active duty, Freddie’s moral character and sound convictions would shape the honor of his service to his country. His leadership, mentorship, and friendship with countless soldiers and battle buddies were met with universal admiration. He was omni-conscious and equally intentional about making a redemptive impact on the lives of others that would last longer than a passing impression.

This truth is evident through the honor of his testimony after he would honorably retire. Freddie said, “I led from the front and left no soldier behind. My soldiers were led by someone who cared. If they had a problem, we had a problem.”

His military occupational skills were as vast as he was ambitious. The diversity of his experiential expertise is noted but not limited to a Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic, Maintenance Supervisor, and Petroleum Supply Specialist. He left no stone unturned to ensure that whatever skills he possessed that were in demand, he employed at the highest standard of excellence. Nothing less than excellence would highlight the honor of his military career until his honorable retirement on May 28, 2013. After retirement, SFC Freddie Epting (Ret) had one response for those who asked, "How long did you serve?" He responded with a contagious smile, “I served my country 21 years, two months, and four days with gladness." He would never state the number of years he served. His battle buddies echo these exact words.

The love and light of his life, second only to the Lord, was his best friend, high school sweetheart, queen of his dreams, bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh, Tracy Lavonda Ducksworth. With absolute delight, he made it no secret that she was the reason behind his uniquely enormous and illuminating smile.

Divine Providence directed the evolution of the bond they would share after being united in holy matrimony on June 26, 1993. For 29 years, they lived, learned, laughed, cried, grew, and matured together. They were two inseparable personalities who shared one heart.

Freddie was not only a devoted husband to his wife but a priest, provider, nurturer, and protector who safeguarded his family with every fiber of strength housed in his being. He was the proud father of two daughters, Brittnie Epting and Kristieona Epting. He taught them lessons they will treasure for a lifetime. Brittnie was his Brit Brit, and Kristieona was his Kris Cross. Freddie always told us, “When God calls my number, do not call me dead call me SAVE and HEAVENLY bound.”

In the meantime, Freddie resolved to live out of his profound appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice Christ paid for his life. He did this by living under His Lordship. His love for the Lord was reflected in the spirit of excellence compelling him to serve in every capacity his heart could find to serve. He served the Lord with gladness, unconditionally making himself available to his pastor and the Marlboro church family. Not one to wait until he was asked to do something he saw needed to be done, Freddie was a highly esteemed leader of leaders.

His labor of love in each aspect of the Lord's vineyard was the commentary of his heart. He took pride in the maintenance and upkeep of the House of the Lord, submitting himself to serve each day of the week. He left no stone unturned to ensure the efficiency of the Ministry at all costs. While some might say Freddie wore many hats, he only wore one that epitomized the extraordinary impact of every other hat that anyone could wear. That hat was labeled “SERVANT.”

Diligence and devotion depict the excellence of his legacy as a Servant. Disciplined and dutiful highlights the excellency of his legacy as a Disciple. Distinct and dedicated embodies the excellency of his legacy as a godly Leader.

His earthly transition on December 10, 2022, was his anticipated certainty without knowing what time the Lord would summons him into His eternal Presence.

There can be no doubt for this Son, Sheep, Saint, Servant, and Soldier that His Lord will commend him in the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

From the hearts of Tracy, Brittnie, and Kristieona Epting:

God is Omniscient. He foreknew this very moment and time was scheduled. Even though we all will miss Freddie in this earthly realm and our hearts are broken, Freddie has made it home. So, we shall be mighty glad about it and celebrate this time together.

Only his father, Freddie Lee Epting Sr., preceded his earthly transition. Among those who remain to celebrate the fruit of his earthly life until the reunion at the return of our Lord is his wife, Tracy Lavonda Epting; his daughters, Brittnie and Kristieona Epting of Killeen, Tx; his mother, Gloria Threats of Gulfport, MS; one sister Mandolyn Washington of Austin, TX; one brother Christopher Washington of Gulfport, MS.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.