Obituary of Fred E. Wynn

Fred E. (Freddie) Wynn, 88, died peacefully on March 11, 2024, in his Hilton Head Sea Pines home of 40 years, in the company of his wife, Ellie, and many members of his family.

Fred was, even in his final days, the life of every gathering. Known as Freddie to his many friends and family, he brought a beautiful balance of wit, wisdom, curiosity, and compassion to every relationship and endeavor in his life. While Fred had a natural talent for golf and business, his true passion was cultivating long-lasting relationships, including being a loyal husband, caring father, ever-cool grandfather, business mentor, civic servant, fierce friend, nature and dog enthusiast, and gratis golf coach. A man of many talents, Fred spent his life sharing his God-given gifts with the people and community he loved.

Fred was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, graduating from Clemson University and marrying Ellie, the love of his life, in 1958. Career-focused, Fred and his family spent stints in Kansas City (MO), Roanoke (VA), Kinston (NC), and Greenville before moving to Hilton Head Island in 1980. One of Fred’s many legacies is the impact he and Ellie had on the community of Sea Pines. A resident for 44 years, Fred volunteered in various civic roles and was an active member at Sea Pines Country Club, developing lifelong friendships that spanned all of Hilton Head Island, including his dear neighbors on Gunnery Lane.

Fred’s love for Sea Pines was synonymous with his love for golf. He loved playing the game – he and his son, David, played together at 50+ courses in several countries, including the Old Course at St. Andrews. He loved teaching the game (just ask generations of the family he introduced the game to) and supporting the game, taking loved ones to the Masters tournament for nearly 60 years. Most of all, Fred simply loved being out on the courses in Sea Pines with good company and a good cigar. That he happened to be a scratch golfer and Club Champion mattered much less to him than enjoying the game with others. Sea Pines golf will miss Fred Wynn.

Fred also established his own successful consulting business which he ran out of Hilton Head for over 30 years, advising Fortune 500 companies including Ralston/Nestle Purina. Fred was part of the genesis of two billion-dollar global brands in pet care, Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE, leveraging his ability to connect with folks from all walks of life to grow these brands into national recognition. Fred was equally energized by mentoring others throughout his career, selflessly building and supporting a network of mentees over the span of decades. A former colleague and mentee of Fred’s put it best when he simply said, “Everybody loved Fred.”

Above all, Fred poured his energy into being present with his family. Fred rarely missed little league games or dance recitals for his children and grandchildren, always prioritizing his children’s family events to the point that he became a beloved honorary member of various Atlanta-based communities. Fred also had a deep appreciation and curiosity for nature, animals, technology, and fashion. He planted flowers, fed birds, and loved every dog he met (and in turn, every dog that met Fred loved him at first sight). He wore clothes before they were in style and adopted technology years before others caught on. Fred had a zest for life that drew everyone into his orbit, leaving a legacy of kindness, curiosity, love, and humor that will not be forgotten.

In addition to Ellie, Fred Wynn is survived by daughter; Lauren Hall (Chris), son; David Wynn (Diane), sister; Martha Wulz, grandchildren; Ryan Salisbury (Kennan), Matthew Hall (Audrey), Meagan Howarth (Luke), Bo Wynn and Davis Wynn, and great-grandchildren; Eleanor Salisbury, Hazel Hall, Reece Howarth and Owen Howarth.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at the Sea Pines Country Club on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Fred’s name to Volunteers in Medicine of Hilton Head (https://vimclinic.org/donations/make-a-donation/) or to the P-Man Foundation (https://pmanfoundation.org) in honor of his late grandson, Patrick.