Freddie Wilder

Our beloved Freddie Lee Wilder, affectionately known as “Birdman,” was born on Sunday, March 19, 1967, to proud parents Lillian Gertrude Rhames Wilder and Friendly Wilder.  Freddie received his wings on Monday, July 4, 2022.

Freddie attended Scott’s Branch High School and completed his education in 1985.

Freddie joined Sunrise International Church, in 2020, under the auspicious leadership of Pastors Powell & Juanita Lawson and Associate Pastors Walt & Betsy Braddock.  He looked forward to serving food at the Harvest Hope Food Distribution.  Right before our very eyes, we saw the presence of God transform Freddie’s life!  He became a walking testimony and scripture bearing witness of all that God had done for him.  Daily, he helped his family and friends get their day started by texting inspirational messages to all and sharing just how much he loved us.  We are certainly going to miss this!

Daily, Freddie and all the guys in the family would have lengthy conference calls, just to check in on one another.  There were times when they would literally, take a shower; watch a game; and eat dinner, alll while remaining on the phone!!!  SMH!!!  His daughter Angel, whom he shared a close relationship with, was in competition to get him on the phone before he got on his call with the fellas!

His daughter Angel and his Grandchildren, Ma’Lani and Arreef, were his heartbeats and the essence of his very existence!  There was no closer bond, than the one they shared!

Freddie was not too grown to play with dolls and have tea parties with his 4-year old cousin, Effie.  He was like the Pied Piper of Summerton!  He understood that it takes a village to raise one child.  Children and young adults alike, followed him wherever he went!  They enjoyed congregating at his home to play video games; watch T.V.; have slumber parties; eat snacks; and go out to eat at McDonald’s.  He did not miss a beat after Aunt Carrie, passed away.  He continued to keep the door open to children who enjoyed visiting with her.  Among the many were Aaliyah, Dee, Jazz, JuJu, Bubba and members of the AAU Basketball team.

Freddie was always on the move!  He did not let grass grow under his feet!  He was “on call,” as the Uber driver of the town!  He made himself available to all who needed a ride.  He loved serving others!  He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it!

He is preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Gertrude Rhames Wilder, father Friendly Wilder and brother Early (Duke) Wilder.  He leaves to continue his legacy and celebrate his contributions to humanity, his daughter Angel; Grandchildren, Ma’Lani and Arreef; his brother Rochester Wilder of Summerton, and sister Rochelle Wilder of Sumter; nephew, Joshua Wilder of Sumter; niece Francine Washington (Tracey) of Manning; Grandniece Lashantia (Aaliyah) Lee; Grandnephew Tristan (Dee) Washington; Grandnieces Erica, Crystal, Lydia and Tianna; aunt Ida (Harry) Felder; aunt Barbara Rhames; uncle Frank Rhames; aunt Eastover Adams; aunt Eva Mae Brown; and uncle Leo Pinckney.Wilder; Grandmother Malvenia (George) Jones Rhames; and Grandmother Rebecca (Bertie) Wilder, the “Brotherhood of Cousins,” Lamont (Cheez), Rod, Shane, Thomas, and all the female cousins who formed their own circle after we realized we couldn’t be a part of theirs; all family members and friends!

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