Frederick Lewis Diamond

Frederick Lewis Diamond, 80, departed this life on May 3, 2021, having labored to the best of his ability in God’s earthly kingdom. Now being at rest in the Lord’s house, Fred is awaiting the reunion of his loved ones and rejoicing in the day of God’s Heavenly Kingdom to come. He was born April 8, 1941, the third of five children to Lewis and Florence (Leidigh) Diamond. Growing up in Saucier during the World War II era, his family knew the life of simple pleasures and times of hardships, which drew them closer as a family, shaping Fred’s life and beliefs. He shared these life’s lessons with his family and those closest to him, in his daily walks and works. A belief in one’s hard work and keeping their word was more important to Fred than any gain of the world’s temptations and pleasures.

He married Dottie Elaine Shaw of Lyman, to be his life-long wife and they made their home on Diamond Road. Together they raised four sons near the place where Fred, and his father before him, were also born and raised. Shortly after graduation from Perkinston High School, Fred worked a few years for American Aluminum Extruders (later Olins) in Gulfport, until he decided to go into business for himself. He founded Diamond Logging Inc, which he ran successfully for many years, along with his sons, Greg and Troy. Fred worked in the logging & timber industry for 40 years, until his retirement in 2005, following Hurricane Katrina’s impact on the areas logging business. A stern and determined person, he was a man of few words, but when Fred spoke, people listened. Those words were harsh and direct when they needed to be, but they were the softest ever when speaking to Dottie.

His ‘retirement’ and life in the later years consisted of managing his timberlands, farming and raising Piney Woods cattle, a breed of which date back to the Spanish settlement of the regions in South Mississippi. His life’s love was that of the area’s longleaf pine forest and cattle grazing the new spring growths of the previous winter’s burn. He fought a constant battle to eliminate the invasive species of tallow trees and cogon grasses from his lands and neighboring properties.

Fred was a Christian man by faith, which was evidenced by his daily life. He passed from this life in a peaceful manner while sleeping, leaving behind an aged earthly body, free of any aches, pains or heartbreaks, and waking to the rewards of life’s next journey. We know we each will see him on the other side, in which he will invite us to sit awhile and tell him of the latest news of what is going on with us, sharing a cold drink of water (or a root beer), either under the cool breeze of a shade tree or front porch, in resting after a long day’s work or in preparation of getting back to work…because that was who he was. We also know that Fred would be the first to say, ‘don’t grieve for me, for my worries are over, but each of you must work yet another day and make your own way, for life is short and there is much to do in service of the Lord and your own families.’ He will be forever loved and missed by all whose life he touched.

He was preceded by his parents, Lewis and Florence Diamond, and two brothers-in-law, Richard Ladnier and Bill Moore. Left to cherish the many fond memories are: his loving and devoted wife Dottie; their four boys: Ervin Diamond, Greg (Linda) Diamond, Robert Diamond and Troy (Shelly) Diamond; his sisters Louise (Pete) Aufdemorte, Alice Ladnier and Ruth Moore, with his brother, Joe (Emily) Diamond. Fred leaves a legacy of fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grands and 1 great-great-grand, all of whom will miss him greatly. If you knew Fred, you understand that he did not want a large, formal funeral service. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM Tuesday afternoon (weather permitting), in the Diamond Family Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to be entrusted with the services, asking everyone to keep Ms. Dottie and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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