Freddie "Fred" Bright

Freddie Maurice “Fred” Bright, 83, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was born Jan. 19, 1936, in Traverse City, to Ora and Erma (Ross) Bright. He was the youngest of 7 children and graduated from Traverse City High School in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1955, serving as a small engine repairman for 4 years. On April 24, 1955, Fred married Cleo Darlene (Selkirk) Bright in Traverse City. They had two children, Gregory and Vickie, and made their home in Traverse City.

After his service, Fred served as a Traverse City police officer for 3 years before going on to work at the U.S. Post Office on Union Street in Traverse City for 18 years. Afterward, he worked in realty with Coldwell Banker around the northwestern Michigan region.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting every fall, especially with his son and grandsons. He also loved riding motorcycles and snowmobiles with his brothers and nephews. He most enjoyed spending birthdays and holidays with his family.

Fred is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cleo; daughter, Vickie (Bright) Gibson; grandchildren Greg (Tiffany) Bright, Kim (Jason) Sipple, Jake (Harriette) Bright, Maxine (Nick) Fisher, Alyssa (Jacob) Kleidon and William Gibson; and great grandchildren Cameron, Caleb and Coby Sipple; Kelci, Madelyn and Tyson Bright; Cleona Bright and Ruby Kleidon and daughter-in-law, Carol Bright.

Fred was preceded in death by his son, Greg; his parents, Ora and Erma; and his siblings Bill, Marge, Madge, Bob, Gerald and Helen.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. and a funeral service with full military honors will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at First Church of the Nazarene, 1023 S. Division St., Traverse City. A luncheon will follow. Burial services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at East Kasson Cemetery in Maple City. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts with the family.