Dr. Fred M. Zachary, Ed.D. of Tyler, TX, passed away on July 11, 2025. Fred was born on December 4, 1945, to Donis Murrell Zachary and Virginia Hays Zachary in Mt. Pleasant, TX. Preceding him in death was his father Donis Murrell Zachary. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Judy Laird Zachary; his mother Virginia Hays Zachary; his brother, Ed Zachary (Susan); daughters Connie Moore (Milton), Christie Blalock (Philip), Candice Smith (Cameron), and Carin Allen (Lance); grandchildren Erin Hale (Jared), Jenifer Smith (Glade), Trevor Moore, Brian Blalock, Collin Blalock, Allie Goza (Cole), Zachary Smith (MaryBeth), Carson Allen, and Ellis Allen; and a host of great grandchildren as well as nephews and cousins.

Fred was a 1964 graduate of Pittsburg High School. After high school, he attended East Texas State University and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Continuing his education, he obtained a master’s and Doctor of Education from  East Texas State University. He taught English and coached, eventually advancing his career into school administration.

On July 31, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy Laird. They had four wonderful daughters, Connie, Christie, Candice, and Carin. Fred was a huge advocate for education having enjoyed teaching collegiate classes during his retirement. He then became a consultant to make schools more energy efficient, and he was also a consultant for TEA monitoring under-performing schools. Fred also served as an interim principal at Arp High School for 3 years. He was a Master Mason for the Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Sharon Shrine. Fred was affiliated with the Baptist church and had upstanding morals and Christian values. He served as an ordained deacon in many different churches and taught Sunday school as well. Fred was an avid reader, golfer, and outdoorsman who loved to travel with Judy and find a new adventure. He enjoyed time with his family including his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved watching sporting events, especially the ones involving family of all ages.

Services for Fred will be held at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard, Texas, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Pastor Wes Bynum.

The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hospice of East Texas or Mentoring Alliance 1909 S. Broadway Avenue, Tyler, TX 75701.