Sep 11, 1963 - Jan 9, 2025

Frederick Douglas Tinsley, Jr., affectionately known by family members as “Dougie,” passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Long Beach, CA, after a lengthy illness. Fred was born on September 11, 1963, in Hartford, CT, the oldest child of the late Daphne and Frederick D. Tinsley, Sr. While growing up in Hartford and Farmington, CT, Fred attended local schools and took up piano lessons, becoming a very proficient pianist. When he was 11 years old, Fred moved to California with his family when his father became a contrabassist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

In California, Fred and his family lived in Claremont, where he attended public schools and played baseball and Pop Warner football and in high school, he joined band as a drummer. Upon graduation from Claremont High School, Fred decided to join the military and served in the Army; he was stationed in Germany and the Netherlands.

Upon the conclusion of his military service, Fred settled in Washington, DC, where he pursued a career in tech and computing. He later started his own business, an airport shuttle service that he ran for many years. He also became a licensed real estate agent.

Fred enjoyed visiting friends and family around the country. A cousin or family friend might open their door to find Fred standing on their doorstep–there to brighten their day! He was beloved among his 50+ first cousins and served as a mentor to some of the younger cousins.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Tania Tinsley Little (CHS 1983) (Philip) of Raleigh, NC, and Karen Tinsley Williams (CHS 1988) (Slater) of Altadena, CA; a nephew, Grant Tinsley Little, and a niece, Daphne Tinsley Little, both of Raleigh, NC; two maternal uncles, William Callaway, Sr. of Athens, GA, and Major Callaway of Fort Worth, TX; and a host of cousins and friends.

Fred’s sisters will plan a memorial service for later this spring in California. Arrangements will be handled by Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, Covina.