1991 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Parents: Samuel & Letha Williams
Wife: Shirley J. Williams
Daughters: Wendy L. & Jacqueline D. Williams
Son: Michael E. Williams
Fredie Williams, a Flint native and Northern High School star, participated in four sports — football, baseball, basketball, and track — where he won seven letters. In college at Arkansas A&M he played football and baseball.
While at Northern he was known for his determination to succeed. Many considered him too small to take steady pounding from players a hundred pounds heavier. Fredie was inspired by a former Viking star, Cliff Fielder, who taught him how to prepare and compete in sports. Another influence in his high school sports career was his coach, Guy Houston. Fredie captured the hearts of all who saw him perform. The 1950 football team, called by Coach Houston “the best ever” at Northern, lost only one game in two years, with All-State stars Golden, Duckett and McDonald. Fredie was a swing back, or substitute that compiled statistics unmatched in Flint sports.
In 1949-50 he scored 12 touchdowns, caught five passes, returned two kickoffs, rushed for 400 yards with a 6.6 yards average. He also had a record 96 yard kickoff return against Fordson. Northern won the City, Saginaw Valley and State Championships. Fredie was voted captain of this team by his teammates who stood, clapped and hollered…Fredie’s greatest honor.
He was honorable mention All-Valley and All-City fullback in 1950. His greatest thrill is a memorable touchdown pass for 62 yards…with seven seconds remaining with the score tied 19-19…to defeat Arthur Hill, thus winnin the championship. He received the Outstanding Achievement Award in 1951. After college he played baseball and basketball in the City League in Flint
In the city baseball league he continued his exploits. He led the league in hits and runs scored and ranked fourth in hits in1953. That year his team, the Flint Giants, won the City League championship. Fredie was selected on the league All-Star team in 1953.
The late Nate Walker, a good friend of Fredie’s, introduced him to golf. Fredie has won five golf championships in Flint. The VPCA Singles, UAW Singles, 24th Best Ball Tourney, at Kearsley Lake in 1966, City Seniors-1988 and the Father and Son Best Ball Championship-1990. He has played in four Classic Tournaments.
On November, 1989, after 36 years of service as a supervisor., Fredie retired from Flint Chevrolet Manufacturing.
