Freddie Mayne Jennings

The family of Fred M. Jennings is deeply saddened to announce his passing on July 20th, 2026.

Born Freddie Mayne Jennings on December 10th, 1937 in Llano, Texas, to Chester and Wilma, he was older brother to three sisters Sharon, Jennifer, and Pam. His father’s work in construction moved the young family around the state following various essential projects until they eventually settled in Corpus Christi in the early 1950's. Fred attended Roy Miller High School in Corpus making lifelong friends including a core group he would keep in touch with for the rest of his life, the Old Bucs, and he graduated in 1956.

He was a strong football player and was courted by collegiate football programs, eventually accepting a scholarship to play at The University of Texas. While at the University he began what would be his lifetime pursuit in the field of oil and gas, and was the first graduate of the Land Management Program, earning a BBA. The highlight of his football career was playing for Darrell Royal in the 1960 Cotton Bowl. As a young graduate Fred went to work for Tidewater eventually rising to District Landman with Getty Oil. During this time he was blessed with sons Ty and Todd.

While in Houston with Getty he met the love of his life, Jody. The two were married in 1970. Work took the young couple to New Orleans in the early 1970's. While in New Orleans Fred and Jody began to celebrate Thanksgiving with five families of Texas expats and native New Orleanians eventually forming La Familia, a tradition that will soon enjoy its 50th year. While at Getty Fred also formed friendships with fellow landmen, geologists, and peers he would enjoy for the remainder of his days. After a return to Texas, a son Jason was born.

A major career landmark was when Fred took a job in Beeville, where he eventually struck out on his own forming Jennings Exploration Company, discovering a string of productive wells he would operate for the rest of his career. Fred contributed to the fabric of Beeville, serving on the boards of First National Bank and the Beeville Country Club, as well as on the Vestry of St. Philip’s Church, where he also served as Senior Warden. He was socially active with many friends including his lunch group Los Hombres.

Fred lived a full and remarkable life. He touched the hearts of everyone he met through his honesty and loyalty. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jody; His son Ty and wife Lisa, and his granddaughters Lindsay Sablatura and husband Ryan, and Taylor Cox and husband Andrew; His son Jason and wife Maureen; His great-grandchildren Grayson and Taryn Sablatura and Garrett and Zoey Cox; His sister Sharon Bothe, and his nieces and nephews Brett Bothe, Melissa Hernandez, Vanessa Bothe, Trevor Bothe, and Shaunty Ipok and families, along with many, many cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday August 15th at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 311 E. Corpus Christi St. in Beeville. A reception will follow at the Beeville Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip's Episcopal Church or St. Philip's Episcopal School in Fred M. Jennings' memory, 105 N. Adams St, Beeville, TX 78102.