MGySgt(USMC Ret.) Freddy Wayne Jennings was born on August 24, 1949 to Mandy Griffis and Carroll Jennings in Houston Chickasaw County, MS. Both of his parents preceded him in death while his was still a young child. He was the youngest of 4 children whom was raised by his sister, Ruby Lee Johnson, a sister, Luenettie Evans and a brother, Ernest Jones, whom all preceded him in death.
Freddy attended Chickasaw County Public Schools where he played baseball and basketball, but his true love was basketball. He was a phenomenal and all-star player. After graduating in May 1969, he went on to attend Mary Holmes College in West Point Ms, where he earned his Associate Degree in 1973. On December 2, 1974, he married his childhood and high school sweetheart, Colleen Hatchett. In that union, 3 children were born. During his time in college, he would welcome a daughter with Stella Hych.
Realizing he needed more in his life and stability for his family and himself, he decided to join the United States Marine Corps in April 1975. While in the military, he completed multiple deployments including tours in Japan and Norway. He would make the Marines a life career choice for 20 years, retiring with an Honorable Discharge as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in September 1995.
Upon retirement, he moved his family to Paducah, KY where they resided there for 30 years. He was employed by Paducah Head Start as a Child Care Coordinator and McNabb Elementary School as an In-School Suspension Coordinator for Character Education where he used his wisdom and discipline to teach life lessons, resilience, and integrity to students who needed it the most. With his love of basketball, he decided to organize and start up a basketball program for the elementary and middle schools students. He took great pride in serving as Program Director and Coach for basketball and softball at the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah, where he positively impacted the lives of countless young people. The kids would affectionately call him “Mr. Fred” or “Coach Jennings”. Freddy will be remembered not only for his witty humor, old-school jokes and many laughs, but for his deeply generous heart; he was a mentor and a father figure to many, always offering a listener ear and wise counsel.
Freddy was a faithful, loyal and dedicated member of 9th Street Tabernacle Ministries where he was a devoted Deacon. True to his heart as an educator, he poured his time into working with the youth of the church, worked on the church’s finance committee and a member of the Deacon Board. He loved his church family, his faith was strong, he was saved and was a true Man of God. He loved the Lord and he made sure everyone knew it.
In June 2013, God granted him a second chance where he became a kidney transplant recipient. He would always say “I have a second birthday to celebrate”. He truly viewed this gift of life as a testament to God‘s grace and a reminder to make every single moment count.
Freddy decided and made up in his mind he wanted to move to Florida to be closer to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In February 2026, he and his wife made that move. The move made him feel closer to his family and he was excited and extremely happy. For the next 3 months he enjoyed Florida, his family and his new home.
On Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at 1:08 PM, in Jacksonville FL, with open arms, God called MGySgt(USMC Ret.) and Deacon Freddy Wayne Jennings to his Heavenly home to eternal rest. He transitioned peacefully and quietly surrounded by his loved ones and family.
He leaves to cherish a loving, caring and devoted Wife of 50 years, Colleen Hatchett Jennings of Jacksonville FL; a devoted Father to 4 Children; Shelia(Len)Henley of Jacksonville FL, Sharon Jennings of San Antonio TX, Dewayne(Commie) Jennings of Seguin TX and Amanda Jennings of Desoto TX; 11 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren; Sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Owens of Chicago IL, Lillie Rucker of Indianapolis IN, and Glenda Hamilton of Paducah KY; Brothers-in law: Arsbie Hatchett(Eva) of Houston MS and Ronnie Hatchett(Cynthia)of Ellenwood GA; Special Nieces: Mary Ann Ford(Gene) of Houston MS and Ruthell Crump(Steve) of Amory MS; Honorary Brothers: George Crump, Clarence Collins, Joe Jones and D.J. Johnson. A best friend, Colby Davis precedes him in death. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom affectionately called him “Uncle Fred” or “Mr. Fred”.
SEMPER FI OORAH!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at Ninth Street Tabernacle Ministries.
Family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
