Frederick "Fred" Toliver Badders

Frederick “Fred” Toliver Badders of Boone, age 86, passed away at Watauga Medical Center on March
10, 2025.

He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 12th, 1938 to the late Herald E. Badders and the late
Parilee Parker Badders.

Fred was a first generation college student, and he received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from
Furman University (where he was a cheerleader and President of the Pep Club) in 1960, his M. Div.
degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (where he was Student Body President and
Director of Student Activities) in 1964, and his Ph.D. degree in Higher Education from Florida State
University in 1970. He served as the Dean of Students at South Georgia College in Douglas, Georgia
while working on his doctorate. Fred was the Dean of Students and Personnel Services at Southeastern
Community College in Whiteville, NC from 1969-1973.

In 1960, Fred was the Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Kingstree, SC where he spotted a very
cute piano player during a prayer meeting. They were married in 1962. He worked tirelessly and
selflessly to provide for his wife (who was his very best friend) and for his daughters (of whom he was
incredibly proud).

In 1973, Fred and his family moved to Boone, NC for him to take a job at Appalachian State University to
coordinate the Student Development program. He was the Chairperson of the formerly named Counselor,
Education, and Research Department for fourteen years, and he was a professor until he retired in 2004.
Fred received many accolades, awards, and honors throughout the years including the “Outstanding
Teaching Award” in 1993 and the “Distinguished Scholar Award” (from the North Carolina College
Personnel Association) in 1997. He inspired a love for knowledge to countless students, and he was a
visionary and an advocate for many positive changes in his career field.

Fred was involved in numerous community, civic, political, and education organizations. He was the
Chairman of the Watauga County Democratic Party for four years, and he also served as the Chairman of
the Fifth Congressional District Democratic Organization. He was the head of several professional
groups, and he led countless workshops and conferences at the regional, state, and national levels. Fred
was active through the years as a member of First Baptist Church in Boone, NC where he served as a
deacon, Sunday School teacher, and head of various committees. As an ordained minister, he held interim
pastorates and spoke at many churches.

He was one of the most focused and well-organized people one could ever meet, and he was a brilliant
and extremely creative man. Fred’s love of the outdoors manifested itself in many ways, especially
through gardening and golf. He was an avid reader, and he was gifted at writing and consulting. He
enjoyed Southern Gospel music, puzzles/games, baseball, and traveling. There was never a dull moment
when he was around due to his jokes and quick wit, and he always had entertaining stories to share of his
exploits and adventures through the years.

Fred stood up for what he believed was right with unwavering conviction. He was a quiet giver to so
many individuals in need, and he gave without expecting anything in return. Fred was authentic,
profound, dignified, and honorable. He was determined and always fully committed to whatever he was
doing. His abiding faith in and love for God served as the anchor for his life. His favorite and driving
verse was Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.”

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Hurley E. Badders, sister-in-law Barbara
Badders, brother-in-law Engrum Johnson, nephew-in-law William McBride, and great-nephew AJ
Badders.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Sue Badders; two daughters Kimberly Sundt (Dave
Tompkins) of Beaufort, SC, and Leigh Lyall (Jean-Claude) of Boone, NC; sister-in-law and
brother-in-law Tommie Ann and Phil Ward of Florence, SC; sister-in-law Lynn Johnson-Gallucci of
Simpsonville, SC; nieces April McBride and Ashley (Brandon) Hylton; nephews Parker Lanier Badders,
William (Vicki) Johnson, Lee (Kelsey) Ward, Shawn (Katt) Garrison, and Deane (Christi) Harrison; three
bonus grandchildren: Amy (Jason) Grodi, Brandy Lyall (Eric Dunn), and Chris (Lindsay) Lyall. He is
also survived by several great-nieces, great-nephews, and bonus great-grandchildren.

A private family service and burial will be held (in order to minimize exposure due to family illnesses).

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church; 375 West King Street; Boone, NC 28607.

Tremendous gratitude goes to Jean-Claude Lyall for being such an incredibly dedicated caregiver,
especially during the last two years. The family extends many thanks to the staff at Watauga Medical
Center for the excellent care they provided over the last several weeks, and to the team at Deerfield Ridge
for their kindness and devotion to Fred during the time that he resided there.

One of Fred’s favorite quotes was from “Death of a Salesman” (Arthur Miller): “All I want is out there
waiting for me, the moment I say who I am.” Fred Badders knew who he was, and he seized
opportunities. He gave his ALL in his life and in work, and he beautifully answered God’s call. He will
be profoundly missed by his family who love him beyond measure, and who consider him the wind beneath
their wings.