Freddie "Fred" Lee Shute

Freddie "Fred" Shute Obituary THE SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED. Reflections Freddie Lee Shute was born on February 23, 1935, to James (Jim) and Ruby (Montgomery) Shute in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the sixth child making him the baby boy of the family. Proceeding him in death were his parents brothers, Phillip, Henry, Thomas, John and one sister Peggy Shute- Greer. Affectionately called Fred, he attended Nashville schools graduating from Haynes High School in 1953. He excelled in sports especially in basketball. Fred was awarded a scholarship to Southwest Texas State College for basketball and played one year. He decided to transfer to Voorhees Junior College to continue playing basketball. There he majored in social work until graduation. Fred accepted Christ at an early age. In the 1950’s Fred decided to go to Cleveland to live with his Aunts Cora Shute and Georgia Shute-McClain. He ventured to Cleveland for better work and a better life. East 63rd Street in the Central Neighborhood was where he was exposed to the heart of sports, politics, religion, and activism. Fred became friends quickly with the East 63rd folks. Especially, the Gaines and Spearman families. After college Fred was drafted to the United States Army. He was a private Sergeant and received honorable discharged. Fred came home after the military with a desire to help youth. His first job was Bellfaire Children’s home where is worked as program worker and a night watchman. Then Fred was called to work at the Boys Club in the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood that became the Boys and Girls Club. He enjoyed the work with the late night basketball, and providing a safe space for youth. From his work there Fred worked at the Looking Glass Youth home and from there he went to work for Cuyahoga County Youth Services as a Manager of the After Care Program and Hudson Youth Facility until his retirement in 1998. In his work, Fred found himself connecting with many activists in the Community building programs to help the Community to help youth and stop violence in Cleveland. And his work in that arena lead him to getting involved in politics. He helped close friends run for office being either the campaign driver, door literature organizer to “sign guy” hanging signs all up and down utility poles. If you were a candidate running for office, you wanted Fred for he would hang signs so high no one could get the down. He was noted for blasting Chester Avenue from East 105th to all the way Downtown with campaign signs. Outside of work, Fred loved his sports. He played with a team called the Harlem Hobos. A play on words of the Harlem Globetrotters. They were known to play in many recreations leagues throughout Cleveland, Ohio. Players on his team consist of former Cleveland Indians pitcher Jim “Mudcat” Grand and Cleveland Browns fullback Ernie Green. Fred played with many teams, scoring many points. He was placed in the JCC Hall of Fame for his basketball scoring points. Fred played recreational softball, loved to swim, roller skate, and run. He played tennis and golf which placed in many tournaments. In 1978, Fred ran his first marathon in Cleveland, Ohio. This was the first edition of the Cleveland Marathon. He finished and that’s was a big deal for him for he had never ran a 10k before. He loved jogging long distance and took pride in talking about the distances he could run. As well as just staying in shape. His doctors were impressed for a man his age how well he took care of himself. Fred married Mildred Spearman and the marriage lasted over 60 years. To their union they were blessed with two children Anthony and Angela. After a long, good fight with illness Fred answered his call when God spoke. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Mildred; son Anthony Shute (Leilani) of Flossmoor, Illinois, and daughter Angela (Angie) Shute-Woodson of South Euclid, Ohio; Three grandchildren Jamie Shute of Orlando, Florida, William Woodson of Dallas, Texas and Natalie Shute of Flossmoor, Illinois. Two Sister-in-laws Gertrude Shute of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kennie Shute of South Carolina. Close friend Robert “Bob” Boyd. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Freddie "Fred" Lee Shute, please visit our floral store. Read More

Freddie "Fred" Lee Shute

February 23, 1935 - September 25, 2023