William Fred McAteer

William Fred McAteer III completed his life's journey on December 12, 2022, after a short illness. Fred was born to William Fred McAteer Jr. and Arietta Pauline (Davis) McAteer in Ocala, Florida. The McAteer family first settled in Marion County in 1852 and Fred's grandfather owned the Ocala Wagon Works in downtown Ocala. Fred grew up in what is now the Historical District and attended Marion County Public Schools, graduating from Ocala High School in 1954. The McAteer family, under Fred's direction, donated his Great-Grandparents "cracker home", which was once located at Sharpes Ferry, to the Silver River Museum in 2001. After attending St Petersburg Junior College, Jacksonville Junior College (now Jacksonville University), and Stetson University, Fred embarked on a career in Retail Sales and Management that took him to Gainesville, Daytona Beach, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Montgomery. In 1972, he returned to Marion County, settling on Lake Weir. Fred married Betty Sue Souther on June 19, 1960. In 1977, they opened Lake Weir Grocery, in Ocklawaha, and operated it until his retirement in 1992. Fred was well known in South Marion County for his rotisserie chickens and spareribs, as both natives and visitors to the lake stopped into the store to purchase them. He served on the Bank of Belleview Board of Directors and was a regular sponsor of teams at the Lake Weir Youth Athletic Association Little League. He enjoyed interacting with his customers daily and knew most by name. Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Sue; son Ken (Bobbie) McAteer, daughter Karen (Kenny) Hatch, and daughter Kristy (Jim) Clark; grandsons Bradley Baldus (Jessica) and Kris and Kyle Clark; granddaughters Ashley McAteer (Angelo), Krista and Kyra Hatch, and Kyla and Kamryn Clark; sisters-in law Kaye Ussery and Gail McAteer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by parents William and Arietta McAteer and brothers Donald and Thomas McAteer. The memorial service for William Fred McAteer III of Ocklawaha, Florida will be held at Roberts Funeral Home Bruce Chapel East, at 2739 SE Maricamp Road, in Ocala, Florida on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM; visitation with the family begins at 10:00 AM and the graveside service will be held immediately after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Marion County and Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research are appreciated.

William Fred McAteer

February 25, 1936 - December 12, 2022