Frederick Maxwell Christian

A Celebration of the Life of Frederick Maxwell Christian

Frederick Maxwell Christian, known affectionately to all who loved him as Fred, Freddie, Pops, Poppy, or Poppy Fred, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, after a brief illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and a life lived fully in his own unique way.

Life and Family

Fred was born on December 5, 1952, to Helen (Suiter) and Elmer Christian, and was blessed with a second loving set of parents, Myrtle (Holly) and Billie Christian. Both sets of parents are deceased.

He was one of ten children and is survived by his brother, Louie Christian (Mary Sue).

Fred was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his sons, Chad Everett Christian (father to Kyan and Cade Christian) and Bryan Lee Christian (Jessica), who gave him two more grandchildren, Eleanora and Ezra Christian. A special son, Corey Wilde and his grandchild, Deacon Wilde were also very close to his heart. He is also survived by his grandson, Chris Pulley, son of his late daughter, Ida.

Fred’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 23 years (1972-1995) who loved him and was his closest lifelong friend, Deborah Sayre Christian.

In his later life, Bill Thomlinson became a best friend, always ready to lend a hand and assisted with Fred’s many surprise projects.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ida Christian Pulley, and his granddaughter, Carroll Pulley, as well as his siblings William, Jerry, Bobby, Richard, David, Pete, Goldie, and Judy.

A Man of Many Hats

Fred was a true original whose curiosity and infectious sense of fun led him to countless adventures. Some remember him as a student at Marshall University in the early 1970s, often found playing cards in Smith Hall.

He dedicated many years as an Educator and Supervisor in the Cabell County School System, where he influenced many young lives. However, his favorite roles were often his "fun Fred" part-time jobs.

He made many friends working at the B & B Grocery Store, a place he loved, often saying he was simply "playing on the cash register." Fred tried everything from gas stations to laundromats, and even worked at the Cookie Carnival (to the surprise of some family who genuinely thought he was selling cookies!). He enjoyed chauffeuring various celebrities to their venues, always wearing his cute driver's hat.

Faith and Community

Fred was instrumental in the founding of Grace Christian Fellowship. Not only did he open his home for the very first service, but he also dedicated his time and spirit to leading the Children’s Sunday School Program. His faith and service were a quiet but profound constant in his later life.

Celebration of Life

Please join us in celebrating Fred’s life and legacy at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at his church, Grace Christian Fellowship, 530 Roby Road, Huntington, WV.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Poppy Fred’s memory send donations to Grace Christian Fellowship.