Former Pinellas County Administrator Fred E. Marquis died Jan. 3, leaving a long record of public service and community involvement. A U.S. Army Major General, Marquis carried the values of leadership and service from his military career into decades of civic work in Pinellas County.
Marquis, who was 86, served as county administrator from 1979 to 2000, and is perhaps best known for his role in developing and expanding the Pinellas Trail.
The project converted abandoned rail corridors into a widely used public space for walking, cycling and outdoor recreation, becoming one of the county’s most recognized community assets.
His contributions were honored by the City of Dunedin and Pinellas County with the unveiling of a plaque along the trail in downtown Dunedin during a ceremony in 2025.
At the unveiling, Pinellas County Commissioner Dave Eggers stated, “Your presence here, surrounded by family and friends, bears witness to the promise of you transforming infrastructure.”
“The trail was always about giving back to people,” Marquis had said at the unveiling, reflecting his belief in public access to green space and infrastructure that brings communities together.
Marquis is survived by his wife Elena, five stepchildren and nine grandchildren. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. The Pinellas Trail was recently celebrated for its 35th year.