‘Mr. GYAC’ – Longtime Gifford leader, community servant dies at 74

Freddie Woolfork, the longtime public relations director for the Gifford Youth Achievement Center and a former president of the Gifford Progressive Civic League, died on Wednesday, March 11, family members said. He was 74 years old.

“Today, we lost a superhero. I know he’s up there in heaven looking down on us,” said retired Indian River County sheriff’s deputy Teddy Floyd, who called Woolfork his mentor. “This is one of the saddest days of my life. It will be hard to fill his shoes.”

Woolfork’s influence and impact will be felt throughout Gifford and Indian River County for generations to come, community leaders say.

“(Woolfork) dealt with so many children. Without him, where would those children be?” said Tony Brown, president of the Indian River County NAACP chapter. “He helped make Gifford a better place.”

Legacy

Longtime friends remembered Woolfork as a humble man who uplifted countless children, never sought for accolades and took pride in playing his horn, a skill he crafted as a teenager while playing for the Gifford High School Tigers Marching Band. Woolfork, a Gifford-native and Florida A & M graduate, was heavily involved in education and civil rights advocacy.

“I’ve known Freddie since I was a child. He never met a stranger. He communicated with everybody,” said Dr. Deborah Taylor-Long, board chairwoman for GYAC. “(Woolfork) wanted to make sure Gifford residents weren’t treated as second-class citizens.”

Woolfork’s family asked for privacy as they prepared to make funeral arrangements.

“The greatness (Woolfork) has left behind will forever be remembered by his family, the community, and those of us at GYAC,” Long said. “God bless you and rest in peace.”

Woolfork, who many described as an icon, community servant and a Godly man, worked to make sure GYAC – an afterschool program that serves hundreds of children – served as a neighborhood pillar. Woolfork, known by many as “Mr. GYAC,” was the youth center’s first employee.

GYAC representatives said they were deeply saddened by Woolfork’s death.

“From the very beginning, he helped lay the foundation for the work we do today. His dedication, generosity of spirit, and unwavering belief in our mission helped shape this organization into what it is today,” center officials said in a statement. 

“Beyond his role here, he was a true pillar of the community. His kindness, wisdom, and commitment to helping others touched the lives of so many, and his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.” 

GYAC, an afterschool center, was created in 1998 to boost the low, 25 percent graduation rate for Black students in Indian River County. Throughout the years, GYAC helped to increase the graduation rate for Black youth to more than 90 percent.

There were 94 percent of Black students to graduate from public schools in Indian River County for the 2024-2025 school year, according to School District officials.

Angelia Perry, the executive director at GYAC, said Woolfork worked at the nonprofit for nearly 30 years. Perry said Woolfork embodied a genuine love and unwavering commitment to GYAC and the Gifford community.

“His love for GYAC and the people of Gifford truly had no limits,” Perry said in a statement. “While he will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked alongside him, his legacy will remain a lasting part of GYAC. He can never be replaced, and he will never be forgotten.”

Community Involvement

Woolfork often spoke publicly about the “miracle on 43rd Avenue” known as the Gifford Youth Achievement Center. His civic work in Gifford and Indian River County is deeply rooted.

As a member of the Gifford Progressive Civic League, Woolfork worked with the group’s current president Joe Idlette III, along with NAACP president Tony Brown, and others to organize the Gifford Neighborhood Plan. The plan, first developed in 2002 and revamped in 2014, includes improvements to parks, sidewalks, streets, street lighting, stormwater drains, former landfill sites and more.

Woolfork, who was also a life member of the Indian River County NAACP, served as chair of the Front Porch Revitalization Council. The council dispersed funding for organizations in the community or projects that addressed community needs, Long said.

Jonnie Mae Perry, executive director of the Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center, said Woolfork was instrumental in working with Indian River County Historian Ruth Stanbridge to get the Historic Macedonia Church relocated from Sebastian to 45th Street in Gifford. The old church reopened as a small museum in 2018.

Perry said she and Woolfork hosted Christmas toy giveaways at the museum for the past eight years.

“He will be truly missed in Gifford and Indian River County,” Perry said.

Floyd said he and Woolfork organized turkey drives to help people in the community. The turkey giveaways, which began in 2006, aim to bridge the gap between residents and law enforcement, Floyd said.

“Freddie was the cornerstone in the community. He did things because he saw a need,” Floyd said. “My heart is totally saddened. I will remember him for his bright smile.”

Service and Faith

Woolfork was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Gifford. He was also a member of the Promise Keepers, a national, men’s Christian organization that hosts faith-based events.

“His faith and spirit compelled him to be the person he was,” Perry said. “He always brought balance to situations. He would see both sides and articulate a solution that worked for everybody in any given situation.”

Joe Flescher, Indian River County commissioner, said Woolfork was a very special person who motivated the youth and adults. Flescher, who had known Woolfork for nearly 30 years, said he will “miss his friend.”

“The mark of a man is measured by the legacy he builds for the future. That statement is relevant to Woolfork,” Flescher said. “He did so much, often times with so little, with his passion for the people in the community.”

Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said the agency was saddened to learn of Woolfork’s passing.

“He was always a friend and partner to our agency,” Flowers said. “We remember him for his kindness and generosity, always giving to others and helping the community.”

Brown said Woolfork was an awesome friend, partner and co-advocate. Brown said he sends his love to Woolfork’s family as they deal with this unmeasurable loss.

“Freddie was predestined to do his work,” Brown said. “He did it well.”