VIRGINIA BEACH — Fred William Britton Jr., 77, from Edenton, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. “Coach Britton” was a 47-year veteran of the Virginia Beach public school system and one of the original teachers at First Colonial High School, where he taught physical education and coached football and tennis for generations of students.
A true F.C. legend, Coach Britton’s impact on the school and the community is immeasurable. He loved the F.C. family, and he enjoyed catching up with former students years later and seeing them leading happy and successful lives. He was a great teacher and coach, and an even better human being. Fred Britton was selfless, generous, kind, inspiring, reliable, cool, fun-loving and a true Southern gentleman. He believed in people when they didn’t believe in themselves. He approached life with the Jeep top down, a warm smile, helping hand and a teasing joke or two. He was truly one of a kind; genuine, lifelong friend and an adoring husband and grandfather. Quite simply, he was the very best of all us, and he will be forever, deeply missed.
He will be missed every day by his wife, Diane; children by marriage, Erin (Rob) Gannett and Ryan Miller; grandchildren, Connor, Carter and Peyton Gannett; aunts, Mae and Fay; numerous cousins and extended family; as well as some of the greatest, most loyal lifelong friends anyone could ever ask for. In particular, his dearest friend and constant companion, Norbie Wilson.
The family would like to welcome friends and family from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, to H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Virginia Beach, for those who would like to pay their respects in person.
In lieu of flowers, Fred would want us all to pay it forward. If you can make a difference in someone’s life, do it. Listen without judgment, offer a kind, encouraging word and help one another whenever and wherever you can.
Share online condolences with the family at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.
