Dr. James Frederick "Fred" Lacy PhD

4/4/1931 - 3/28/2025

Dr. James Frederick "Fred" Lacy PhD, (Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Retired) 93, of Auburn, Alabama passed away quietly at his home in Auburn on March 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred Lacy was born April 4, 1931, in Geneva, Alabama. He was the fourth of six children born to Minnie Florence (Register) and Irby Chester Lacy.

After graduating from Geneva High School, he attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) on a Sears & Roebuck scholarship graduating in 1953 with a degree in Agricultural Science. Following graduation, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

While at API, Fred met the love of his life, Emily. They first met as college students working together at the University's Mell Street Cafeteria. They were married July 4, 1954, in Marion, Alabama shortly before Fred reported for duty in Germany. During their 65-year marriage, Emily and Fred shared a love of serving Christ, their family, the beach, travel, and golf, which they played together regularly for over twenty years.

Lieutenant Colonel Lacy dedicated 21 years of honorable service to the United States of America as an officer in the United States Army. He distinguished himself as a warrior, leader, and academic. His career was defined by excellence in artillery (nuclear weapons employment), counterinsurgency operations, and five years in critical overseas assignments.

From post-World War II Germany to the Korean De-militarized Zone, to combat assignment in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, Lieutenant Colonel Lacy exemplified exceptional dedication to duty and extraordinary bravery. Among his many personal decorations, he earned the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars with "V" device for valor in combat, and two Air Medals for gallantry during aerial scout missions.

In his final military assignment, he returned to Auburn University as Executive Officer of the Army ROTC program, shaping the next generation of military leaders.

Shortly after retiring from the Army, he earned his PhD in history from Auburn University in 1975. Dr. Lacy took a position at Chattahoochee Valley Community College where he served as a professor and Social Sciences Department chair until his retirement in 1996.

Known to many in his church community as "Brother Fred," he was active at the Auburn United Methodist Church. He taught Sunday School and Bible studies in Auburn and around the world for over 60 years. He was honored in 2015 when his long-time Sunday School class changed its name to the "McGhee-Lacy Sunday School Class". His love for and devotion to his Tuesday morning Bible study group was an exemplary example of God's love. In 2010, he published a history of the Bible, "Discovering the Bible: A Layman's History of the Origins and Preservations of the Holy Scriptures."

Dr. Lacy leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to education and his Christian faith. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dr. Lacy was predeceased in death by his wife of 65 years, Emily Christenberry Lacy, parents Minnie and Irby Lacy, sister Margaret Lacy Clary, brothers Bill Lacy and Charles Lacy, and great-granddaughter Madison Rylee Sullivan.

Dr. Lacy is survived by his daughters: Cynthia Lacy Judy (Ron), Patricia Lacy Campbell (Mark), and Elizabeth Lacy Kvicala (Mike); eight wonderful grandchildren: Lisa Judy Sullivan (Beau), Laura Judy Hackler (Peter), Lacy Elizabeth Campbell, Abby Riley Campbell, Chloe Campbell Ferguson (Rhys), Michael Patrick Kvicala, Cannon James Kvicala (Hannah), Reagan Elizabeth Kvicala; delightful great-grandchildren Parker Elyse Sullivan and Crosby Eric Hackler; sister Sue Lacy Tutcher; brother Ben Lacy, and a host of much loved nieces and nephews.

Dr. Lacy was blessed with amazing caregivers. Gratitude is expressed to, Cornetta Menefield, Mini Moss, Linda Newsome, Joann Norton, Evelyn Philpot, and Lorene Williams. The family is especially grateful to Bobbi Menefield for her years of love and devotion to the entire family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 9:30 – 11:00 at the Auburn United Methodist Church. The celebration of his life will begin at 11:00 following visitation at the Auburn United Methodist Church. Burial with full military honors will follow immediately at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the Dr. Lacy Endowed Scholarship (College of Agriculture), or the Emily C. Lacy Endowed Scholarship (College of Education) at Auburn University. Donations should be mailed to: Auburn Fund, Attn: Gift Processing, 317 South College Street, Auburn University, Alabama 36849. Please note Dr. James F. Lacy or Emily C. Lacy Scholarship on the donation so the family may offer their appreciation for your gift.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directing.