Austin, Texas - Frederick Ward Bankhead Jr, 69, journeyed home after enduring a long decade with lung disease.

Fred was born in Dallas, Texas, to parents Frederick Ward Bankhead and Laura Ellen Peek Bankhead.

The family relocated to Weatherford when Fred was two years old. Here he grew up - Boy Scouts, model rockets, go carts, he was a member of the high school tennis team and played the trumpet in the band. His first job was as a sack boy at Safeway while he was still in high school.

Fred worked in various fields, including photography, drapery installation, and as a paralegal. He moved to Austin in 2004 and spent many years as a painting and remodeling contractor before his illness.

Fred loved his family, friends, and all living creatures.

He is survived by his sister Ellen Bankhead, niece Laura Ramsel, and many cousins and friends.

Memorial service July 11, 2026 at 2 pm

Church of Conscious Harmony

7406 Newhall Ln, Austin, TX 78746

The service will be livestreamed. Please email for the link if interested. ellenbankhead@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Fred's memory to:

Austin Wildlife Rescue www.austinwildliferescue.org

Community First Village

www.mlf.org