Richard W. Frye, born April 20, 1949 in Pinehurst, NC lost his years long battle with Multiple Myeloma on December 6, 2023. His cancer was contracted due to exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 as an army medivac gunner. Ever the warrior, when Richard was told there were no more treatments available, he said “Well then, It is what it is, but I’m not giving up.” Though he eventually lost the battle, he refused to surrender.
Richard was the embodiment of the term “southern gentleman” with his deep southern drawl and unique combination of kindness and strength. Two of his favorite sayings were “people often confuse kindness with weakness” and “when people don’t show you respect, sometimes you have to teach them a little respect.” Generous to a fault, Richard would give a stranger the shirt off his back and money to buy new clothes. However, for his friends or family, no ask was too great.
After leaving the Army, Richard was a Pinehurst Firefighter and remained committed to serving his community throughout his life. His dedication to his Southern heritage was unwavering and he took great pride in his local roots. Richard was an adamant supporter of, and advisor to, local small businesses. He had a diverse and successful career as a local entrepreneur. He owned and operated several small businesses such as Sandhill Amusements, SanStar Realty, Moore Storage, and DD&S Classic Cars to name a few. Richard was the first Realtor in Moore County to earn a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Manager) designation. Richard began his career in the vending business more than 40 years ago starting with coin-operated Pac-Man and Donkey Kong games in the early 1980’s and evolving to today’s high-tech games of skill.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Richard had a passion for restoring classic cars, playing poker, and was an avid reader, particularly enjoying reading military history. An incredible sense of humor, Richard always had a joke at the ready or a nostalgic story to tell. He would often joke that while his classmates went to Florida after graduation, he chose to go to Vietnam.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, James (Mutt) and Margaret Frye; brother, Jerry Frye; beloved dogs, Cindy Lou Who and Thumper; and many friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Corinne “Corky” Frye; son Jeffrey (Karen); daughter Robin Lawhon (Robert); brothers, Jimmy, David and Chris; sister, Gail Bigger; granddaughters, Sarah and Norah Thomas; along with his pets: Ladybug, Macy, Rosie, Madeira, LeMieux, Patience and Handsome Ransom; and many, many friends and extended family.
Richard will be forever cherished and remembered by family and friends for his selflessness, generosity and profound love for his family, community and country. May his soul find eternal peace.
A memorial service will be held at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines on Wednesday, December 13th from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to honor his memory can be made to Moore Humane Society, P.O. Box 203, Southern Pines, NC 28388 or the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
Richard’s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.BolesFuneralHome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
