James Fredrick Usrey

LITTLE RIVER, SC – On Friday, October 10, 2025, Mr. James Fredrick Usrey, 88, passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side at McLeod Health Seacoast Hospital in Little River, SC.

There will be a memorial service at 3:00 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2025, in the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home with Mr. Ken Caulder officiating.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Fredrick was born in Anson County, NC on June 30, 1937, and was a son of the late James Earl Usrey and the late Lucille Hedrick Usrey. He was a graduate of Lilesville High School.

Following high school graduation, Fredrick enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving 20 years prior to his retirement. While in the military he and his family were stationed at Ft. Fisher, Philippines, Hawaii, Mt. Umunhum, Ca, and Alaska. He also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Fredrick and his family moved back to Lilesville after his military career, and he was employed with Anson County at the Water Filtration Plant. He also worked with Clark Equipment, which later became Fruit of the Loom, and he retired there after 20 years of service. Following the second retirement, he worked part-time at CMH Flooring in Wadesboro.

He was a long-time member of Gum Springs Baptist Church and Lilesville Civic Builders before he and his wife moved to Little River, SC.

After moving to the beach, he became a devoted member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church and the Freedom Boat Club. He loved being on the water and traveling but his greatest joy came from spending time with his 3 granddaughters, who lovingly called him “Bop”. Together with Harriet(Gigi) they were the heart of his world and a constant source of love and happiness for family and friends alike.

Above all, he cherished his role as Bop. Spending countless hours patiently fixing four-wheelers, attending imaginary tea parties, or swimming in the condo pool well past dark. He never tired of being present, and his gentle spirit, patience and devotion made every moment with family feel special.

Those who are left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Allison Usrey (C.L. Lathan) of Rockingham and Ashley Speckman (Chris) of North Myrtle Beach ; his grandchildren, Sydney Bellamy (Chase Hughes) of Clemson, Ellory Speckman and Avery Speckman both of North Myrtle Beach; his twin brother, Hedrick Usrey of Asheville, sister Barbara Reed of Baltimore and dear friends and neighbors, Tim and Diana Stout of Little River.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Harriet Seawell Usrey.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to McLeod Hospice Care, c/o, McLeod Health Foundation, 300 S. Dargan St., Florence, SC 29502 or to a Veterans organization of your choice.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com