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Lucius C. Frye Sr., 80, of New Market, died March 29, 2009. Lovingly known as Casey to his family and friends, he was born May 23, 1928, in Glade Spring, Va. Casey loved his family, his country, and particularly his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He lived in the Valley for over 30
years with his bride, Edith. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on May 18.
A decorated combat veteran, Casey served his country proudly in three wars: World War II (where he was a prisoner of war), Korea, and Vietnam (where he was shot down twice). A recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star (twice), European- African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with two bronze stars, Germany and Japanese Occupation Ribbon, Army Aviator Badge, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Army Commendation Medal; he was a helicopter pilot, Green Beret, paratrooper, and coach of the U.S. Army pistol team. He was selected to the Pan American games as part of the Army's competitive pistol team. His mission in Vietnam was simple, but unique; retrieve shot-downed aircraft, repair if possible, and return the aircraft and his crew safely back to base. After a distinguished 23-year career in the U.S. Army, Casey directed and implemented one of the largest capitol improvement projects ever undertaken by James Madison University, directing the construction efforts of the football stadium and much of the new build-out on the east side of I-81 that now occupies the campus. His significant contributions were recognized by having a campus building, known as the Frye building, named in his honor.
A person always ready and willing to help others, Casey frequently looked for opportunities to minister to others, whether he was cutting and taking a cord of wood to someone in need, making them something special from his woodshop, or simply giving them the "shirt off his back" to someone in more need than he.
He is preceded in death by his father, John; his mother, Mattie; his brothers, Bowers, Mack, John, and Roger; and his sisters, Vivian, Nancy; and his daughter, Phyllis. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Edith; his brother, Raymond; his sisters, Allison and Jennie; their daughters, Susan and her husband, Gene, Connie and her husband, Chuck; their son, Lucius (Sam) Jr., and his wife, Debbie; and seven grandchildren, Thomas, Ruth Ann, Joseph, Samantha, Aaron, Anna, and Carolyn; and six great-grandchildren, Aaron, Hannah, Dylan, Maxwell, Sara, and Emma.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at Kyger Funeral home at 3173 Spotswood Trail, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. A celebration of Casey's life will be held at 11 a.m. April 1, 2009, at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Linville Creek of the Brethren Church Cemetery following the memorial service.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Online condolences may be sent to Casey's family by visiting www.kygers.com.
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