William Frederick "Fred" Zinn

William Frederick “Fred” Zinn, 92, of Salem, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility. Born August 20, 1933, in Doddridge County, he was the son of the late Chester Berlin Zinn and Leona Edna (Callihan) Zinn.

Mr. Zinn was best known for his love and devotion to traditional country music. He was a lifelong country music enthusiast who organized and managed a country band at the age of fifteen. He continued to promote country music shows throughout his life on a part-time basis. Local residents remember the outstanding talent he brought to the Doddridge County Fairs and the Salem Apple Butter Festivals, where he served as Entertainment Chairman.

Fred earned a bachelor’s degree from Salem College in 1959, double majoring in business administration and social studies. He also earned graduate credit in psychology from West Virginia University. In addition, he obtained his real estate and broker licenses and, for a time, was part owner of Cardinal Realty and Four-Star Realty.

Prior to entering the real estate business, Fred served as plant manager at Salem College from 1960 to 1968, overseeing building and grounds, transportation, and security operations.

As a deacon of the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church (1962–present), Fred served as a consultant during the construction of the current parsonage. He also attended Middle Island Seventh Day Baptist Church and was instrumental in the construction of Randolph Terrace Apartments (1968–1970).

A 50-year member of Friendship Masonic Lodge #56 in West Union, Fred earned his 32nd Degree in both the Scottish and York Rite and was also a member of the Shriners.

A passionate patriot, Fred served two years in the United States Army and eight years in the West Virginia National Guard. While in active service, he graduated second in his leadership training class of fifty members at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. Later in life, he was very active in local and national politics.

He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Venita Vincent Zinn, who passed away on October 1, 2021. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Wilma Lee “Billie” Hill and Naomi “Jean” Powell. 

Fred is survived by his children: Marty Zinn and wife Carol of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Fredette Leda and husband Dave of Clarksburg, WV; Frank Zinn and wife Kathy of Jane Lew, WV; and Beatrice Kearns and husband Dave of Salem, WV; as well as several grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great- and step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roger Dale Zinn and Berlin “Bud” Zinn both of Salem; numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received at Davis Funeral Home – Salem, 1999 W. Main Street, Salem, WV, on Friday, April 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel, with Thurman Cox officiating.

Interment will follow at Salem I.O.O.F. Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Harrison County Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Guard, followed by graveside Masonic rites performed by Friendship Lodge #56.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, P.O. Box 372, Salem, WV 26426, or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.davisfuneralhomesalemwv.com. Davis Funeral Home Salem is honored to serve the Zinn family.

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