Fred Smith Switzer, Jr.

Fred S. Switzer, Jr.

Fred S. Switzer, Jr. of Taylor, Texas passed away peacefully Thursday, October 29, 2020.

Fred S. Switzer, Jr. was born on August 2, 1925 in Houston, Texas to Fred S. Switzer, Sr., and Ruby Brown Switzer. He grew up with his sister Virginia Anne Switzer. He graduated from high school in Houston Texas and enlisted in the United States Navy.  He served in World War II as a Torpedoman’s Mate 2nd class aboard the USS Wiley DD-597 seeing action off the Philippines and postwar supporting peacekeeping operations off China in the Yellow Sea.

After the war he attended Southwestern University, in Georgetown, Texas and graduated with a degree in Journalism in 1950.

Fred began his career in journalism when he was hired by the Taylor Times followed shortly with the position of Program Director of KTAE Radio (1260AM).  After many years at KTAE, both on-air and as program director, he continued to support the Taylor area with a morning show on KRXT (98.5FM). He married Geraldine Mathiews of Taylor in 1950 and together they had three children. He remarried in 1966 to Dorothy Urbis of Taylor, who had three children of her own.

Fred served Taylor in many respects although he was best known for his morning program on the radio and his announcing duties at Taylor Duck home games. He was often referred to as the “Voice of Taylor”.  He served the community in many capacities including as a member of the Taylor City Council, as President of the Taylor Independent School District, and on the Hospital Board. He helped found the United Seniors of Taylor and the Switzer Senior Center. Fred served as an officer and member of the American Legion Post 39 and the local VFW.  He was a former President and member of the Taylor Kiwanis Club and active in many other civic organizations as well. He was also active as a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a Lay Leader there, many times stepping up to the pulpit to assist the Pastor.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents Fred S Switzer, Sr. & Ruby Brown Switzer and by his wife of 49 years, Dorothy.

Fred is survived by sons Fred S. Switzer, III and David Switzer and wife Ruth, his daughter Dorie Bennatt, Frank Urbis and wife Tricia, Lawrence Urbis and wife Connie, Mark Urbis and wife Connie, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held  from 5-7 pm Sunday November 1, 2020 at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Monday November 2, 2020 at the funeral home followed by interment at Taylor City Cemetery.

Due to social distancing and seating on every other pew seating is limited. Mask are required in the Funeral Home and at the cemetery