Fred Funk was born in Denton, Texas to Joe and Vernice Funk. He graduated from Denton High School in 1960. Shortly after graduation he married his highschool sweet heart, Dana.

Fred attendend North Texas State University, now the University of North Texas. Overwhelmed by the size of the institution, after two semesters, he transfered to East Texas State College where he pursued a Pre-theology degree with a minor in physcoloty.

Fred and Dana have three children, two girls and one boy. They have seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and another on the way.