The funeral for former Detroit sportscaster Fred McLeod was held this weekend in Ohio.
McLeod died suddenly on Monday. He spent 22 seasons as the TV voice of the Detroit Pistons. He also served as the play-by-play voice of the Detroit Tigers for four seasons and the Detroit Lions for seven seasons.
McLeod hosted "Sports Final Edition" on WDIV. He became the Pistons play-by-play announcer in 1984 and held that position until 2006. His 22 years with the Pistons is the longest tenure of a TV-only announcer with the same NBA team, according to the American Entertainment International Speakers Bureau.
He had been working as the play-by-play voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers since 2006.
Funeral on Saturday
A funeral was held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Bay Village, Ohio and was streamed live on Cavs.com.
The live stream will begin at noon Saturday.
Fans are encouraged to sign a virtual guestbook.
MORE:
Friends, colleagues remember Fred
Heartfelt statements have been pouring out upon the news of McLeod's death:
I am just stunned by the passing of Fred McLeod. He’s been the voice of the Cavaliers, but he was long a member of the WDIV family. Talented, of course, but also funny, charming and so very kind. His marriage to Beth was a true love story. https://t.co/j2p9e0GDIJ
— Devin Scillian (@DevinScillian) September 10, 2019
Another great broadcast voice is silenced. What a genuine man & friend. My first true friend in Detroit when I arrived. https://t.co/07jPUXKPkQ
— Chuck Gaidica (@chuckgaidica) September 10, 2019
This is just heartbreaking. Fred was a great colleague and a consummate pro. Love to Beth and all the McLeods. May the angels welcome Fred to Heaven. https://t.co/cldjHKLF5R
— Anne Thompson (@annenbcnews) September 10, 2019
I had seen Fred on Friday while getting a tour of RMFH. He was in awe of the intricacies that are going to set this venue apart from any other in the NBA. His passion & love for the game & this team were unmatched. He was always willing & wanting to help make our content the best
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) September 10, 2019
Statement from the Detroit Lions:
“It is with true sadness that we mourn the passing of Fred McLeod, who we were fortunate to have return as the television voice of Lions preseason football earlier this year. Fred brought an energy to our broadcasts this summer and demonstrated the same passion for our team that he had for Detroit throughout his broadcasting career.
The entire Detroit Lions organization extends its heartfelt sympathies and condolences to his wife, Beth, his family and members of the TV broadcast community he helped mentor for more than four decades.”
Fred was a terrific broadcaster and a true gentleman. RIP https://t.co/PLl3g12Tcu
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) September 10, 2019
So sad to hear this news. My heart goes out to @BethHMcLeod and their family. 🙏 https://t.co/EqMXWOnJVx
— Ashlee Baracy (@AshleeBaracy) September 10, 2019
Devastating: what a privilege and honor to work with on #Lions preseason. A true pro and a wonderful man. https://t.co/ZmwCPi4JZ4
— Chris Spielman (@chris_spielman) September 10, 2019
Read more statements and tributes for McLeod here.