Born beneath the wide Texas sky on August 12, 1941, in Lamesa, Texas, to David Alton Middleton and Nadine McMahan Middleton. Freddie lived a life full of love, service, and quiet strength. On December 23, 2025, he gently entered eternal rest, leaving a legacy of laughter, wisdom, and devotion that will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Freddie attended Haskell High where he played basketball, excelled in track, and proved early on that he liked to compete and win. He proudly graduated with the class of 1959.
In 1960, Freddie enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with pride until his honorable discharge in 1966. He was one of 55 “Above Average” men sworn into the elite Nike Unit in Abilene, Texas a distinction he wore with honor. Freddie was featured alongside five fellow servicemen in the Abilene Reporter on February 12, 1960, discussing the Nike Hercules missile on display after their public enlistment ceremony the previous day.
After completing his military service, Freddie attended the University of Houston graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Over the years he worked as an auctioneer, and in the printing business before retiring to the roles he cherished the most: full-time Grandpa and avid golfer.
Freddie loved the game of golf, proudly claiming two holes-in-one and rarely missed his Tuesday golf matches with the Sunset Palms Winter Texan Community, where his friendly smack talk was part of his winning strategy.
He was also part of the Haskell Rascals sharing his famous chili recipe across Texas at rodeos and chili cook-offs, often returning home with bragging rights.
When not golfing or competing in chili contests, Freddie devoted himself to researching his family’s ancestry, tracing relatives back to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and honoring them with regular cemetery visits. He believed deeply in remembering those who served before him.
Freddie had a heart of gold, a sharp wit, and a gift for giving advice whether you asked for it or not. He was also a poet and a natural counselor, always ready with words of wisdom. One of his favorite sayings summed him up perfectly:
“There are no wise choices—only intelligent decisions.”
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, David and Nadine Middleton, his brother, David Mac Middleton and his son, Monty Mark Middleton.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Melody Middleton; grandchildren, Malachi Pinedo (Kaitlyn) and Ruben Pinedo, Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Niomi, Mia, Ruben Jacoby, and Daniel Isaiah; sister, Elaine Davis, several nieces and nephews, plus the Pooh Girls.
Freddie will be Forever remembered. Forever loved.
Rest In Peace – Papa Bear.
A celebration of life service will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29th, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Military honors are to take place at 5:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m., services conclude at the end of the evening.
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
In lieu of flowers the Middleton Family kindly requests that donations be made to Sunshine Haven Inc. in memory of Mr. Freddie Carl Middleton.