Frazier J. Townsend

Mr. Frazier J. Townsend Frazier departed this life to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his residence in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 76 years. Frazier was born on September 2, 1949, in Union Springs, Alabama, to parents Frazier Lee and Ethel Townsend. He was cherished by his thirteen siblings and affectionately known as "Man” and, later in life, as “Gruff”. Frazier's leadership qualities shone through early on, as he was recognized for his ambitious attitude, direct, and outspoken nature. Throughout his early childhood, he spent a significant amount of time with his paternal grandparents, Governor and Alonia "Ms. Dallas" Townsend, who played an important role in his upbringing.

Frazier found Christ at an early age and became a member of Haynes Chapel Baptist Church in Union Springs. He attended Bullock County Schools. During his early years, he met the love of his life, Katie Ruth Simmons. At the age of fourteen, he set off to explore anything outside of Cornerstone, in his words. Frazier briefly lived and worked in the orange groves of Florida. Even at a young age, he consistently sent money home to support his family. He later moved to Rochester, New York, for a brief time before moving to Saginaw, Michigan, where he began a forty-five-year career with General Motors Corporation's Grey Iron Foundry in 1967. He remained an active and dedicated UAW Local 668 member throughout his career and retirement.

Katie eventually relocated to Michigan in 1968 to be with Frazier, and together they built a successful and loving family. Frazier and Katie welcomed three children: two sons, Frazier Bernard "Trouble" Townsend and Torrey Darnell Townsend, and one daughter, Kaela DaNeecka Townsend. He also served as a guardian for his nephew, Bernard Townsend, who adored and considered him like a father. Frazier and Katie were married on June 1, 1985.

Revered as a provider, Frazier assisted many of his siblings and other family members in relocating to Saginaw to find jobs at General Motors. In his heyday, if he wasn't working or socializing, you could see him spending time with family and friends or playing cards. As an avid car enthusiast, Frazier always had the best vehicles that General Motors had to offer. You would often see him driving throughout the city in either his black Chevy 454 SS truck or Chevy Corvette. Whether he was watching his favorite television shows, such as old westerns, Walker Texas Ranger, or providing political commentary for MSNBC from a "working-class" perspective, he remained well-informed about world issues impacting the community. He enjoyed watching Joy Ann Reid and Rachel Maddow.

Throughout his later years, he faced some health challenges, but Frazier remained a beacon in the community, selflessly supporting his family and friends. Known for his strong telephone communication skills, he regularly called family members from coast to coast daily. He loved and adored his grandchildren, who were all girls, referring to them as his little princesses, and cherished spending quality time with each of them.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Katie Townsend; sons, Frazier B. (Jeanice) Townsend and Torrey Townsend; daughter, Kaela Townsend (Brandon Conley); grandchildren, Jasmyne Townsend, Kiarra Townsend, Ka’Torreyana Townsend, Brooklyn Conley, Trinity Townsend, and Boston Conley; brothers, Willie James Townsend, Milton (Catherine) Townsend, Sammie (Melinda) Townsend, Stanley Jerome (Jacqueline) Townsend, and Richard Townsend, Sr.; sisters, Annie Pearl (Jerry) Wilburn and Brenda Townsend; brothers-in-law, James Iverson, Tom Simmons, and Henry Simmons; sisters-in-law, Josephine Mims, Wilma Weems, and Beatrice Townsend; a special niece, Shirley (Frederick) Jackson; a lifelong friend Diane (Willie) Marlow; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and many friends.

Frazier was preceded in death by his parents, Frazier Lee and Ethel Townsend; his paternal grandparents, Governor and Alonia Townsend; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Weems; brothers, Willie "Ulysses" Weems and Curtis Townsend; sisters, Annie Will Townsend, Susie Mae Townsend, Margaret Lou Townsend, and Bobby Newby; brother-in-law, Robert Iverson; sisters-in-law, Ernestine Morris, Lela Mae Calhoun, Bennie Watson, and Mattie B. Howard; nephews, Bernard Townsend, Aberdean Townsend, and Richard Townsend, Jr.; his good friend Dwight "Dusty" Brown; and granddaughter Banita Lynn Conley.