John Craig Frye Sr., 97, joined the church triumphant Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, after a four-month residence at Trinity Grove.
Born July 28, 1920, in Newton, N.C., he was the son of the late John Burton Frye and Myrtle Viola Miller Frye and grew up on a farm in Startown, N.C., where he was instilled with the value of hard work and determination.
John was preceded in death by a younger brother, Grady Miller Frye a younger sister, Louise Frye Sloop, and is survived by his youngest sister, Martha Frye Smith.
John’s attendance at Lenoir Rhyne College was interrupted by his service to our country during World War II, and he served in Germany from 1944 until after the end of the war. While in service, he married Geneva Johnson, and after the war they moved to Granite Quarry where he began a 37-year career with Robertson Chemical Corporation, which was later purchased by WR Grace.
John and Geneva moved to Wilmington in 1947 and began their family, which includes one son and two daughters. They also became active members of St. Matthews Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and sang in the choir.
After his retirement from WR Grace in 1982, John turned his full attention to his most beloved avocation, his backyard garden, from which he supplied family, friends and anyone else interested in wholesome and nutritious fruits of the earth.
John was known for his warm smile, infectious laughter and love of humor, and he didn’t mind telling you one of his favorite jokes, regardless of how many times it had been previously shared.
John is survived by his three children, John C. Frye Jr., Martha Futch (Walter) and Carolyn Brock (Jesse); grandchildren, Stuart Frye (Annie), David Frye (Diana), Geneva Futch, Walt Futch (Meredith), Laura Hollifield (Matt) and Carol Jayroe (Chris); and four great-grandchildren.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Trinity Grove for the special love and care provided during John’s stay there.
The family will receive friends at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church with a celebration of life following at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Grove, 631 Junction Creek Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412; or St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 612 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
