Frederick Gracie, 87, of Waldoboro, slipped peacefully away at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta on July 11 with loved ones by his side. He would have celebrated his 88th birthday on Aug. 13.
Fred was born in Augusta in 1923 to the late Herbert and Florence Scott Gracie. His childhood was spent in Westfield, Mass. near his mother’s family. He made frequent visits to Maine, where he enjoyed spending time with his father’s family, especially his beloved Uncle Bill Gracie.
He attended schools in Westfield and graduated from Westfield High School in 1941. Fred was involved in numerous extracurricular high school activities where he was: on the stage committee for theatrical productions, assistant manager of the football team, active on the bowling and hockey teams and in the glee and debating clubs.
Fred enjoyed music, and dancing was his passion. He was a wonderful dancer and loved to dance whenever the opportunity arose.
During WWII Fred served in the U.S. Army Air Force where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was stationed at Hickam Field in Hawaii, Fort Devens in Massachusetts, Scott Field in Illinois and served in the Asian Pacific Theater. He was a radio operator and mechanic and, when necessary, even cooked.
Fred was a “free spirit” who held a variety of jobs during his lifetime. He delivered ice for Gladwin & Lane, was a telephone repairman and installer for New England Tel & Tel, a truck driver for Wallingford Lumber Company, worked for the Maine DOT, delivered oil for Farrar Oil Company and drove a school bus, just to name a few.
Fred loved horses and was particularly known for his attendance at agricultural fairs. He formed many lasting friendships at the fairs and had many acquaintances. He always carried a stack of agricultural fair schedules with him and passed them out until the last one was given away. He wanted to make sure no one missed the fairs.
Fred had a quirky sense of humor–which would sometimes catch people off guard until they got to know him. He would always have jokes to share and was quick to come back with a humorous remark. Fred loved to amuse people and bring a smile to their face.
Fred enjoyed so many things: babies and small children, a bowl of popcorn each evening, Hershey bars, peanuts, French fries, visiting friends and relatives, sending and receiving Christmas cards, writing his signature in perfect cursive penmanship, cooking, fishing, helping others, talking on the phone, overalls (with all the pockets filled with necessities), bandanna hankies, playing cards (for hours), all animals, watching TV, baseball games, ham sandwiches–he loved life!
Fred was a proud member of the Farmers, Draft Horse, Mule and Pony Club, Maine Draft Horse and Ox Association, Eastern Draft Horse Association, Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs and also belonged to VFW Post 3108.
Besides his parents, Fred is predeceased by his wife, Peggy Drumm Wright Gracie; stepdaughter, Christine Wright; and dear and loving companion of 10 years, Leatrice Davis.
Fred is survived by his daughters from his first marriage, Suzanne Scott of Camden and Jean Barber of Mukwonago, Wis.; children from his second marriage to Peggy Gracie, Mary Herrick of Belfast and William Gracie and stepsons, Jimmy Wright and Donald Wright of Westfield, Mass. and Steven Wright of Maine; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cousins, including Hazel Peabody, Charlotte Young and Helen Grotton of Maine; many friends, including devoted friends, Bob Straight, Bill Woods and Gordon “the Duke” Snyder.
A graveside service will be held in September at the Blake Cemetery, Rt. 235, North Warren. The exact date will be announced.
Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Veterans Home, 310 Cony Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their book of memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
