Dr. Freddie Colston

Dr. Freddie Charles Colston was born in Gretna, FL in 1936 to the late Jim Henry Colston and Willie Mae Taylor. Dr. Colston passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, May 30, 2021. 

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Clinton and Louisa Taylor, Sr., and Samuel Walker Colston; special cousins, Hattie McGriff, Emma Jones, T. J. Spicer, Ruth Johnson, and Willie Hicks; and brother-in-law, William Yelverton. 

Dr. Colston accepted Christ at an early age at St. Ruth Missionary Baptist Church, Dania Beach, FL., where he was an active member as a Junior Deacon prior to leaving for college. He attended Oak Valley Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, TN where he lived for the last 40 years. 

Dr. Colston received his BA in Political Science from Morehouse College, MA from Atlanta University, and PhD from Ohio State University. 

Dr. Colston had a passion for academia (teaching), interacting with students, reading (especially biographies), writing, and researching family ancestry. He greatly loved his daughter, Deirdre. He was an avid Ohio State University Football fan. His career spanned over 40 years included the following: Instructor, Social Studies, Attucks High School, Hollywood, FL; Instructor, The Fort Valley State College, GA; Teaching Associate, Political Science, Ohio State University; Lecturer, Political Science, Ohio Dominican College; Associate Professor, Political Science, Benedict College, Columbia, SC; Lecturer, Black Politics, Franklin University, Columbus, OH; Associate Professor, Political Science, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA; Associate Professor, Political Science and Black Studies, University of Detroit; Associate Professor, Political Science, and Chairman, Division of Social Science, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA; Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Delta College, University Center, MI; Associate Director, Executive Seminar Center, US Office of Personnel Management, Oak Ridge, TN; Professor, Public Administration, and Coordinator, Graduate Studies, Institute of Government, Tennessee State University; Director, Public Administrator Program, North Carolina Central University, Durham; Professor, Political Science, Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus. Publications: Articles in professional journals; (Book) Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Speaks: Representative Speeches of a Great American Orator; A Long Journey: Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Speaks on the Struggle for Social Justice in America. Professional Organizations: American Political Science Association; Center for the Study of Presidency; Lifetime Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; The Marquis Who’s Who Publication Board (Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education and Who’s Who in American Politics); Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Oak Ridge for Outstanding Public Service. 

His passing leaves a vacancy in the hearts of those who loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and caring wife of 45 years Doris Yelverton Suggs Colston, his beloved daughter Deirdre (DeeDee) Graddick of Rex, GA; brothers-in-law, Danny (Nadine) Yelverton of Raleigh, NC, Robert Lewis of Fremont, NC; uncle, Bobby (Judy) Colston of Tallahassee, FL; sister-in-law, Julia (William) Yelverton of Newport News, VA. He also will be forever missed by his special cousins, Odessa Townsend of Jacksonville, FL, Gwen Jordan of Winter Park, FL, Rev. Zellene Smith of Tallahassee, FL, Robert Spicer of Miami, FL, Franklin Spicer of Davie, FL, John Johnson of Orlando, FL, and Sabrena Nelson Adams of Jacksonville, FL, and cousins from Connecticut; devoted friends, Dudley Sims of Silver Springs, MD, Gracie and Eric Love and children, and Grady Parks of Atlanta, GA, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Saturday, June 12, 2021, a public walkthrough is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Oak Valley Baptist Church, 194 Hampton Road, Oak Ridge, TN.  Social distancing and face coverings are required. A service to follow for immediate family and close friends.  Pastor Derrick Hammond is the eulogist.  Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park where a white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the walkthrough.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Freddie Colston, please visit our floral store.