Fred Wilson Gonce, 87 of Anderson, TX. And formerly of Stevenson, AL passed away Tuesday June 23rd at St. Joseph’s regional Health Center in Bryan, TX. After battling multiple health issues for over 6 years, including soft tissue sarcoma which caused the loss of his right leg 6 years ago. Fred had the best care possible at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. and the best orthopedic surgeon around (Dr. Valarie Lewis). Fred passed away peacefully with his wife (Charlotte), daughter (Tamra), pastor Bro. Larry Andrews and close family friend (Cheri Biddle) at the bedside. His son Brad could not get home from work in Midland-Odessa he arrived a few hours later and was able to spend some time with his dad before his body was released. Fred is survived by his wife of 66 years Charlotte Ann Long Gonce, Anderson, Texas, daughter Tamra Gonce Anderson and the late Lance Anderson of Anderson, TX and son Fred Bradley Gonce (Rachel) of Centerville, TX., and 2 grandsons that he thought hung the moon, Jevin and Gehrig “G” Gonce of Centerville, TX. Fred was born December 28, 1938 at home in Stevenson, AL. to Lowry Wilson and Ella Crownover Gonce. Fred was raised on the family farm where he worked with his father and showed Yorkshire hogs and Hereford cattle. He worked hard every day on the farm hoping to inherit it someday, He was also an accomplished heavy equipment mechanic and could work on anything with a motor except his own personal vehicles. (could we tell some good stories about that). He was a kind, quiet man who would help anyone I need. Fred worked at Avondale textile mill in Stevenson, then at Arch coal company on sand mountain before moving to Anderson, Texas in the early 80’s to work at Navasota mining a strip mine for coal. He worked there until the mine closed then moved to Ridgeway South Carolina to work for Kennicot mining a gold mine when that job finished he and Charlotte moved to woodland park, Colorado where Fred worked in Cripple creek, Colorado at Angola gold mine this is where he retired and moved back to Texas where he lived until the time of his death with wife Charlotte. Fred married the love of his life Charlotte Ann Long on May 20, 1960. Soon after that in 1962 he was drafted into the United States Army to serve our great country, where he was stationed at Ft. Hood, in Killeen, TX. Where he was in the 2nd armored division Hell on wheels. On July 9, 1963 Fred and Charlotte were blessed with a baby girl named Tamra Layne who was born on the army base. On July 31, 1969 Fred Bradly Joined the family. While at Ft. Hood he won the excellent marksmanship medal for his shooting ability. He was then deployed to Germany for a short time. He then left the army and returned home to help the family with the farm. He did join the local national guard on his return where he served another six years. Fred took pride in anything he did in the service or at home. His motto was “ if duct tape won’t fix it, it ain’t worth keeping.” Fred loved traveling with his family, especially cruising. He got to take the trip of his life a few years ago on an Alaskan cruise. Something he wanted to do for a long time. He loved his English bulldog Do-Da. They were best friends. When at home they were inseparable. She stayed at his side 24-7 and watched over him sometimes not even letting the nurses come near him. Fred was a member of Carlos Missionary Baptist church in Carlos, TX where he has served as senior deacon for the last several years. Recently he was honored for his years of service at the church. He was also a member of Bolivar Masonic lodge # 127 and also a member of the Imperial council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents Lowry Wilson and Ella C. Gonce, sister Mary Nell Gonce King, son in law Lance Anderson and many aunts, Uncles and cousins. The viewing will be Tuesday night June 30, 2026 from 5-8 PM at Valley Funeral home 1214 Kentucky Ave. Stevenson, AL and the funeral is set for 3 PM Wednesday July 1, 2026. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hillier Funeral Home in College Station TX., and Valley Funeral Home in Stevenson, AL. In Lieu of flowers the family asked donations be made to the Gonce Church Christ 516 Co. Rd. 56 Stevenson, AL. 35772, South central veterinary clinic in Navasota TX Dr. John Walla’ at 1605 N. La Salle St., Navasota, TX., 77868, or to “Who rescued who” animal rescue in care of Kristina Walsh 1605 N La Salle St., Navasota, TX.,77868 Our husband, father and grandfather was a great man and will be greatly missed.