Joseph Frederick Witzell II

Joseph  F. "Fred" Witzell, aka TexasFred"

Fred was born on November 10th, 1953 in Shreveport, LA to Joseph F Witzell I and Hattie Mosley Witzell. He married the love of his life, Rebecca Jean Carathers, on October 17th, 1994 in Oklahoma City, OK. He spent many years as a truck driver traveling all over the country. When he retired from truck driving, he began his career giving his opinions on social media.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Witzell of Terrell, TX; son, Joseph F. “Trey” Witzell III (Vanessa)of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Sharon Thibodeaux (Cody) of New Iberia, LA; daughter, Melissa Dempsey (Jason) of New Iberia, LA; and grandchildren, Ayden Witzell, Austin Witzell, Abbylee Witzell, Lincoln Thibodeaux, Marshall Thibodeaux, Dwayne Dempsey and Carson Mallet. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Witzell I and his mother, Hattie Witzell.

At Fred’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

Fred was a truck driver for over 20 years. After he and Becky got married in 1994, she got her CDL and went on the road with him. In 1996, they purchased their own truck and were employed by North American Van Lines for the High Value Products Division, they hauled trade shows, electronics like commercial computers, priceless artwork and other stuff. They went thru all 48 contiguous states and 3 Canadian Provinces. Due to health issues, Fred retired in 2002 and picked up the computer. He had the TexasFred Blog and posted his opinions on social media.

He was an avid firearms enthusiast and law enforcement supporter. He had friends on several police departments in the area and in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Fred and Becky owned a home on one acre and his most prized possession was his John Deere tractor. He would go mow the yard and then stand back stating how good it look.

His children brought him joy. He would light up every time he spoke with them and especially when he got to speak with his grandchildren.

Memories:

Trey (son): I’ll always remember his love of guns and his love of being on the road. One of my favorite memories with him was stopping at rest stops to throw the ball when we were on the road.

Sharon (daughter): One of my best memories with dad was in the 6th grade. Dad and Becky were in town for the weekend. I had volleyball game. Dad hadn't ever made it any of my other sporting events, so I was excited and nervous at the same time. I had the best game of my life. Scored 11 points of the game including the winning point. Dad was so proud. It was a great day.

Cody (son-in-law): You had a big personality and I enjoyed our conversations. I always felt like you respected me and that meant a lot. But what meant most is how much you loved Lincoln (grandson) and though you only met Marshall (grandson) on the phone, I know you loved him too. You checked in on us often, and I will miss that. Love, Cody

Lisa (daughter): As a long haul truck driver, he enjoyed bringing his kids along. whenever possible. He'd share stories of where he'd been and teach them about where they were headed. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and would brag on their success often.

Jason (son-in-law): He was a storyteller. Always tried to make everyone laugh. Was so very happy at our wedding. I enjoyed talking about guns and with him.

Dwayne Dempsey (grandson): Papaw was a character! He could always make you laugh, from funny stories to popping his dentures out. Being his oldest grandson, we had a variety of conversation topics. Our favorite topic was when we would talk about guns or "Merica," from his cowboy hat to his Springfield 1911. He knew how to be a patriot, and wanted to make sure I was too!! I love you papaw!!!....Until we meet again.

Carson (grandson): I remember last time we came to your home. We went to the JFK Museum. We also rode a Dart Train that day. We also came up with a "catch-phrase" which was, "your pissing me over." This started as a joke when I was nine and we never let it go. We certainly had good times like when we went to Medieval Times. Papaw was loved and dang good funny and loving grandfather who will never be forgotten and will always be loved.