The Indian River County community is reflecting on the lives and legacies of several beloved residents who recently passed away. From dedicated public servants in Gifford to historic preservationists in Fellsmere, these individuals helped shape the vibrant fabric of the Treasure Coast.
Deacon Freddie L. Woolfork, 74, Vero Beach (Gifford)
A true pillar of the Gifford and Vero Beach communities, Deacon Freddie L. Woolfork passed away on March 11, 2026. A proud graduate of Vero Beach High School’s class of 1970, he composed the beloved Freddie’s Cheer, a spirited anthem still played at Friday night football games and pep rallies today. Following a successful collegiate career at Florida A&M University, where he served as President of the famed Marching 100 Band, he returned home to Indian River County.
Locally, he dedicated his professional life to Piper Aircraft, Metropolitan Life Insurance, and most notably, the Gifford Youth Achievement Center. He served as the Director of Public Relations and Facilities Operations at the youth center from 1997 until his passing.
Deacon Freddie Woolfork leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, service, and community that will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Brian Lynn Smith, 61, Sebastian
Brian Lynn Smith, a highly respected commercial drywall contractor and avid outdoorsman, passed away on March 10, 2026. Known for his extensive knowledge in construction load-bearing systems and fire ratings, he successfully ran his own local business, Smith Construction & Drywall, starting in 2008. Beyond his professional life, he was a devoted family man who spent countless weekends fishing, shrimping, and crabbing along the Florida coast to provide for his family. His life will be celebrated at the Sebastian United Methodist Church.
Clarence F. “Korky” Korker, 101, Fellsmere
Passing away at the remarkable age of 101 on March 13, 2026, Clarence F. “Korky” Korker was a World War II veteran and a true champion of Fellsmere’s local history. During the war, he served as a U.S. Navy photographer, documenting naval ships and VIP events. After a successful career running the second-largest Kodak dealership on the East Coast, he and his late wife retired to Fellsmere in 1991.
Korky’s civic dedication in Indian River County was unmatched. He successfully spearheaded the grassroots effort to save Fellsmere’s historic Old Public School from demolition, transforming it into the current Fellsmere City Hall. In 2012, the city council honored his monumental preservation efforts by naming the second-floor auditorium The Clarence F. Korker Center for the Performing Arts.
Jane Frances Weick, 82, Indian River Shores
Jane Frances Weick passed away peacefully at the VNA Hospice House following a brief illness. A lifelong educator, she taught social studies in New York for 30 years before retiring to Indian River Shores in 1998 with her husband, Jerry. Embracing the Florida lifestyle, she was an avid walker and world traveler. She gave back immensely to the local area, volunteering with the Auxiliary of the Indian River Medical Center for two decades to provide comfort to local patients in need.
James Patrick Haigney, 83, Vero Beach
James Patrick Haigney, a former clinical psychologist and local Vero Beach real estate agent, passed away on March 17, 2026, following a battle with long-term COVID-19. After a distinguished mental health career in New York, he relocated to Vero Beach in 1994 with his husband, Timothy Sanchez. Locally, he found a second calling helping families find their dream coastal homes working with Berkshire Hathaway. A devoted Catholic, his life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
These distinct lives represent the diverse and charitable heart of Indian River County. From the public schools of Vero Beach to the historic halls of Fellsmere, their contributions to local education, healthcare, history, and youth development will not be forgotten by the Treasure Coast community.
Community members wishing to honor these legacies are encouraged to support local organizations central to their lives, including:
- The Gifford Youth Achievement Center
- Sebastian United Methodist Church
- The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County
- VNA Hospice House
- Cleveland Clinic Indian River Memorial Foundation
