Dr. Frederick Troupe Mickler Jr.

Dr. Frederick Troupe Mickler, Jr., passed away in Dowling Park, Florida, on November 28th at the age of 96. Born on January 14, 1924, in Madison, Florida to Frederick Troupe Mickler and Randell Robert (Morrow) Mickler (Miss Robbie), he was educated at Madison County schools. After a brief stint at Vanderbilt University, he dropped out to join the U.S. Army-Air Corps in defense of his country during World War II. Serving as a bombardier on a B-24, he was en route overseas for combat duty when fate intervened and the Armistice was signed, ending the war effort. Nevertheless, he rose to the rank of 2nd lieutenant in post-war Okinawa. When offered a promotion to 1st lieutenant in return for reenlisting, he immediately declined as his heart and his future was with a young beauty from Monticello, Florida. After marrying Beverly Patterson in 1947, Fred attended Emory University Medical School in Atlanta where he obtained his medical degree. With four children already in tow, Fred and Beverly decided to open his practice in the rural North Florida town of Jasper. Patterned after the horse and buggy medical practice of his grandfather in Citra, Florida decades earlier, Fred never refused a requested house call at any hour of the day or night. His commitment to his community was demonstrated when, through attrition, he found himself the only physician in all of Hamilton County and faithfully served the area alone for nearly a decade. He was most proud of the almost 1,000 babies he delivered over the years. Dr. Mickler was active in the First Methodist Church of Jasper, as well as civic organizations. Very much a sports-minded individual, he donated his time as the “Team Doctor” for the local high school and for years could be seen prowling the sidelines at football games. Current Hamilton County High baseball players ply their craft on officially named Frederick T. Mickler Baseball Field, dedicated on February 17, 2006. For years before and after that date, he was not only the play-by-play press box voice for games at the high school as well as for North Florida Community College in nearby Madison, but also sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at every seventh inning stretch. The colorful personality and high ideals of this small-town doctor led to his stature as a beloved pillar of the community. Dr. Mickler was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly (Patterson) Mickler. He is survived by his children Frederick Troupe Mickler, III, (Deborah), Samuel Patterson Mickler (Deborah), Beverly Mickler Brown (Matt), Benjamin Joseph Mickler, William Robert Mickler (Penny) and Jonathan Morrow Mickler (Kristy), along with thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Due to the pandemic, no funeral service will be held at this time, but a memorial service is being planned for next spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, Florida, or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). You may leave condolences at www.beggsfuneral.com.

Dr. Frederick Troupe Mickler Jr.

January 14, 1924 - November 28, 2020