R. Lawrence “Larry” Frye Jr. COLUMBIA – R. Lawrence “Larry” Frye, Jr., 84, died at his home on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, after an extended illness. Born January 20, 1925, in Andrews, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Ralph L. Frye Sr. and Winnie M. Frye. After graduating from Andrews High School, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he served as a flight engineer in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After his discharge, he enrolled in The Citadel and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He began his career in the construction division of I.E. DuPont where he worked for six years in both Pensacola, Florida and Camden, South Carolina. In 1956, he joined Stanley Smith & Sons Construction in Columbia, South Carolina, as a Sales Engineer and later served as President and CEO before retiring in 1991 as Vice President of Sales. As a highly-sought builder throughout the Southeast, Mr. Frye’s commitment to detail and accountability earned praise and respect among his clients and colleagues. His tireless work ethic was the hallmark of a building career that spanned 42 years. Larry was a proud “Citadel Man” who belonged to the Brigadier Club, the Association of Citadel Men and the Greater Columbia Citadel Club. He was also a long-time member of the Columbia Oyster Club and a former member of the Columbia Sales & Marketing Executives Association. He was a long-time member of the Columbia Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf and, in his retirement, enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of his many friends. He was a devout member of Main Street United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Trustees, Chairman of the Building Committee, president of the Men’s Club, and also taught Sunday school in the Voight Taylor Class. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nora Ann Oeland Frye; his daughter, Amy W. Frye; and his son, William L. Frye, all of Columbia; his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. I.K. (Hilda) Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; two nieces, Mrs. Jack (Lauren) Samuels of Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. Thomas (Anne) Regan of Little Rock, Arkansas, and their families; and his beloved aunt, Mrs. Lila M. Rowell of Columbia. He was predeceased by his sister, Ms. Mary Evelyn Frye. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to his caregivers, Sandra Harrell, Betty Stevenson, Marshalette Richardson and Patricia Holloway for their devotion to ensure he remained comfortable in his home. The family would also like to thank Dr. J. Frank Martin Jr. and his staff for their excellent and compassionate care. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 27, 2009, from 6 – 8 p.m. at DUNBAR FUNERAL HOME on Devine Street. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 28, at Main Street United Methodist Church with interment to follow in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 1830 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201 or to the charity of one’s choice. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths. Tags: 1949
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