DENTON, Frederick F. Jr. 92, a longtime resident of Montgomery died peacefully at the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama on February 21, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Evalu Ward Denton, and his parents, Frederick Denton, Sr. and Mary Harris Denton.
He is survived by his daughters, Bonnie Wegel (Mark), Joy Jordan (Stewart), Julie Boldt (Bill) and his sister Bonnie McCauley. He was known as “Poppy” to his 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Fred was born in Prichard, Alabama on September 17, 1932. He graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management from Auburn University.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an Electronics Warfare Officer and was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi and Tokyo, Japan. Fred began his professional career with the Alabama Power Company where he held a series of management positions including district manager for the company in Montgomery. Following his career at Alabama Power, Fred served as the Director of Industrial Development for the State of Alabama where he was instrumental in creating thousands of jobs for the state by attracting manufacturing investments to Alabama. During his impressive career at the Alabama Development Office, Fred served under four Governors in helping build the state’s economic development program into one of the top programs in the nation. His outstanding efforts toward economic development were recognized by Alabama Governor Fob James who presented Fred with the state’s prestigious Certificate of Commendation. He also was presented with the Order of Sacred Treasure by the Emperor of Japan recognizing his work promoting the special relationship between Japan and Alabama.
Fred was also inducted into the Murphy High School Hall of Fame. Fred was a member of numerous boards and organizations including past president of the National Association of State Development Agencies, past president of the Economic Developers Association of Alabama, the Alabama World Trade Association, the Japan/America Society of Alabama, the Alabama Export Council and the Southern Industrial Development Council. He was past president of the Birmingham Civitan Club. Fred was a huge Auburn fan and contributor to Auburn Athletics.
Visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery, AL on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Burial will follow on Saturday, March 1st at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Road, Mobile, Alabama 36619.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home, 1784 Elkahatchee Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010.
September 17, 1932 – February 21, 2025
Interment will take place in Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery 6100 Three Notch Rd. Mobile, AL 36619
