Rev. Freddie Joe Devotie, of Jefferson City, who served as fire chief of the Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department for many years, as well as a pastor of a Morristown church for 25 years, died Saturday.

Devotie was 81.

According to Devotie’s obituary, he devoted his life to The Lord and pastored the House of Prayer Church in Morristown for 25 years. He put God first in everything he did. In death, Devotie’s number one goal was to “kiss and wash the feet of Jesus.”

Devotie spread the gospel, as well as attended to yard sales and gardening.

Devotie reorganized and founded the Lakeway Central Volunteer Fire Department in 1986. He contributed to the well-being of the department for 38 years.

According to a post by the department, although Devotie had retired, “his presence had never left the department.”

“His dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment built the foundation we stand on today,” the social media post said. “This department wasn’t just something he started — it was something he gave his heart and soul to for a lifetime.

He was more than a fire chief. He was a mentor, a role model, and a true servant to his community. He led with strength, compassion, and integrity, always putting others before himself. Because of him, countless lives were touched, protected, and inspired.

“His legacy will live on in every call we answer, every life we serve, and every firefighter who walks through these doors,” the post concluded.

Devotie was preceded in death by his wife, a granddaughter, his parents and 15 siblings, including his brother, Rev. Paul Devotie and two infant siblings.

Services will be conducted at 6 p.m., Thursday at the House of Prayer Church in Morristown. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.