Fred J. Artibee, Jr. spent his life collecting stories through history, music, travel, and the people he loved. On July 10, 2026, his own story came to an end.
Born on April 4, 1948, in Bennettsville, SC, Fred was the son of Fred J. Artibee, Sr. and Blanche Singleton Artibee. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Fred was curious about people and the stories they carried. Whether he was teaching history in the classroom, writing songs with a guitar in his hands, or wandering through antique stores, he believed places, objects, and people all had stories worth telling.
Before becoming a teacher, Fred negotiated government contracts supporting the United States military. He later spent decades teaching history in the Nashville area, including at Martin Luther King Jr Academic Magnet High School and Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School. Students remember his enthusiasm for history and his ability to make the past come alive.
Music was woven throughout his life. A gifted songwriter, guitarist, and singer, Fred found joy in writing and sharing songs with family, friends, and fellow musicians. Whether around a campfire, on a stage, in their cul-de-sac, or in a living room, music was one of the ways he connected with others.
When he wasn’t teaching or making music, Fred never met an estate sale or garage sale he didn’t want to visit. He loved wondering where an old treasure had been and whose hands had held it before.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Ann (Marti) Margrave; his cherished grandchildren, listed from youngest to oldest: Valerian, son of Madeline Artibee and Staša Bakliza; Bear and Tennessee, children of KC Artibee and Nick Smallwood; Miller and Mason, sons of Jamey Campbell and Jen Girten; and Rebecca Watkins and her husband, Quentin. He also leaves his sister, June Hornberger and her husband, David; childhood friend Wayne McGinn and Susan, and his nephews, extended family members, dear friends and neighbors, former students, and colleagues in teaching and in music.
Fred’s legacy lives on in the songs he wrote, the students he inspired, and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his curiosity, creativity, generosity, and quick wit, and by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Fred’s body was interred at Larkspur Conservation Burial Ground on July 14, 2026, led by Beth and David Deere. A celebration of life will be planned in the coming months.
The family is grateful to Dr. Gretchen Edwards for her compassionate care. They are also deeply thankful for the extraordinary care Fred received at Vanderbilt University Medical Center-from the environmental services staff, nurses, therapists, and care partners to his talented physicians, Drs. Agarwal, Ely, and Marsala. Special thanks are extended to Azy Yohannes, RN, PhD, whose skilled care through Aveanna Healthcare was matched by her ability to charm Fred. The family is also profoundly grateful to the dedicated team at Alive Hospice, whose kindness and care brought peace in Fred’s final days.
The family invites those who wish to remember Fred to spend a little time with his music. Just days before his passing, Songs from My Life and Times-a three-CD collection of his original songs-was placed in his hands, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Those who would like to know Fred a little better are invited to listen on their favorite streaming platform. The family is especially grateful to Kent Wells and the talented artists, musicians and production team who brought Fred’s songs to life, and to vocalist Christen Winslow, whose friendship made the experience especially meaningful.
Memorial contributions may be made to “Friends of the Smokies” at https://friendsofthesmokies.org/honor-or-remember-a-loved-one/
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home – Nashville Chapel.
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