Frederick LeRoy Wolcott

Frederick L. (Fred) Wolcott of Grayling passed away on Thursday November 10th, 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Fred was born in Detroit on October 13, 1943 to Elmer and Mary Wolcott. A graduate of Lincoln Park High School, he was also a two sport athlete for Wayne State University where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.

After graduating with a BS in Education, he spent six years playing professional baseball.  He signed as a catcher with the Boston Red Sox, spending his first pro year with the Oneonta Red Sox, in 1967 with Winston-Salem Red Sox, and during his last year in the Boston farm system, he was with the Pittsfield Red Sox. Traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1970, he played with the Class AAA Toledo Mud Hens.  After being traded to the Montreal Expos in 1972, Fred retired from professional baseball.

Fred taught in the Southgate and Melvindale school systems before he, Barb, and family moved to Grayling in 1975.  It was some very dear friends that introduced and welcomed them to Grayling where they raised all their family.

Fred taught in the Crawford AuSable schools where he coached baseball, football, and basketball.  Fred was a teacher in Health Sciences and Physical Education at the Grayling Middle School. And while these are amazing accomplishments for which he was very proud, he viewed his true accomplishments to be his wonderful life with his wife, kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

Fred and Barb were high school sweethearts and were married in 1964.  They had many adventures and travels together before starting their family in 1966. Fred and Barb could be seen on the Lake every nice day where Fred enjoyed fishing while Barb read her books.  He loved fishing, running, and doing his many woodworking projects.

Fred is survived by his wife of 58 years Barb, and their children, Stacey (Mike) Hickey, Jeffery (Tanya) Wolcott, Christopher (Jennifer) Wolcott.  Grandchildren Jacob, Jordan, Logan, Arica, Ashley, Chelsea, Zachary, Wally, and Wynie.  Nine great grandchildren Lexi, Cali, Mylei, Ryder, Peyton, Blake, Blair, Konnor, and Aurora.  Brother Leslie (Greta) Wolcott, sister Barbara Burnett, and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Barnes and Janet Lewis and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Fred’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Friday November 18th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Visitation beginning at 10am, mass at 11am, and luncheon to follow.    

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Grayling High School Athletic Department or Crawford County Christian help center in Fred’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.