October 11, 2026, 75, Goldsboro – Richard Carlton Frederick, 75, passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Rick, as he was affectionately known, was born in Wayne County on August 19, 1951, to the late Carlton and Josephine Frederick.
Music was more than a passion for Rick; it was a part of who he was and a gift he shared with others throughout his life. After graduating from Goldsboro High School and attending East Carolina University, Rick returned home to join the family business, Frederick Music of Goldsboro, where he continued his connection to the music he loved. An accomplished guitar player, Rick had a special talent for the instrument and generously shared his knowledge by teaching many others how to play. Through his teaching, he helped others discover the joy of making music and created a lasting legacy that will live on through the many people he inspired.
For many years, Rick enjoyed playing with Blue English, a music group that held a special place in his heart. He also shared his musical talents with the Men of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, using his love of music to bring people together in fellowship and worship. Whether playing with friends, teaching an aspiring guitarist, or sharing a familiar tune, Rick found joy in music and in the connections it created. The melodies he played and the memories he made will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Above all, family was important to Rick, and the time he spent with them was among his greatest joys. He especially enjoyed the companionship of his beloved dog, Icelin. His family often teased him that he loved Icelin more than he loved them, but they knew how deeply he cared for them and that he was always there when they needed him. Rick’s love for his family, his easy connection with others, and his lifelong devotion to music are memories they will treasure forever.
Rick is survived by his wife, Lee Frederick; his sons, Neil Frederick and wife, Kathy, and Ty Frederick and fiancée, Leslie; Lee’s children, Christopher Howell, Matthew Howell and wife, Sarah, David Howell, and Haylee Midla and husband, Josh; and his beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Asher, Annabelle, Tristan, Sarah, Ellie, Savannah, and Stella. He is also survived by his sisters, Julia Harris and husband, Bill, and Kathy Winslow and husband, Will; his brother, David Frederick; and several nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, with Rev. Bill Rose officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rick’s memory to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534. The family also invites you to honor Rick’s memory in a special way: share the joy of music with someone. Play a song, teach someone an instrument, or simply introduce another person to a melody that brings happiness. In doing so, you will carry forward the beautiful gift Rick shared throughout his life.
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