In Memoriam: Fred Pancoast
Founder, Leader, and Legacy Builder
Fred Pancoast founded Pancoast Benefits in 1985 with a clear and deeply personal vision: to serve others with integrity, excellence, and care. A former college football coach and proud U.S. Marine, Fred brought the values of discipline, teamwork, and service into every corner of the business he built. He believed that relationships mattered most — and that exceptional service came not from policies, but from people.
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Fred’s life was marked by purpose from the start. After playing and coaching football at the University of Tampa, University of Florida, University of Georgia, Memphis State, and Vanderbilt University, he transitioned from athletics into business, ultimately settling in Nashville with his wife and four daughters. He spent five years as director of human resources at Murray Manufacturing Company before launching Pancoast Benefits.
His service extended far beyond the workplace. Fred was a committed community volunteer, dedicating his time to organizations like Operation Stand Down, which connects veterans to meaningful employment and support, and Room In The Inn, which provides shelter and resources to people experiencing homelessness. In recognition of his contributions, President George W. Bush awarded him the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008.
Fred’s achievements in athletics were equally distinguished. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Fred Russell Distinguished American Award from the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation in 2012.
Fred’s belief that “doing right by people” should be the foundation of any business was more than a personal motto; it became the guiding principle for the company that still bears his name.
“Fred led with principle, served with purpose, and left behind more than a business. He left a blueprint for how to treat people.”
– Brent Watkins, President