Obituary for Jerry Leonard Frye
Jerry Leonard Frye, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 4, 2023. He had a servant heart, a passion for life, and a contagious smile. Jerry was deeply committed to his family and his community, and he touched the lives of many through his generosity and compassion.
Jerry was born on August 22, 1938 in Anniston, Alabama to his parents, the late Weldon B. "Sarge" and Ruby Frye. He grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, and attended Dentsville High School, where he excelled in sports, particularly football.
After high school, Jerry was recruited to play baseball at the University of South Carolina, but he returned to football and played tight end and defensive end for the Gamecocks. He walked on to the team in 1957, but became a standout member of the Gamecocks' football program, even serving as co-captain during his final season in 1960. Jerry played in the 1960 North South All-Star Game under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1961. Jerry loved the Palmetto State and coached multiple high school sports teams to state championships.
While he loved the Gamecocks long after he stopped playing at Williams-Brice, one thing everyone knew about Jerry was his love for Jesus. He was known for his kind heart, his generous spirit, and his willingness to help others in need. Jerry was a founding member of Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina and served as Trustee Emeritus. Jerry was a well-known figure at Brookwood who welcomed everyone into service as an Usher and served with the Men's Ministry. One of Jerry's favorite things was spreading the gospel of Jesus. He loved being the hands and feet of Jesus by feeding the hungry and less fortunate through Nothing But Jesus Street Ministries in downtown Greenville. He shared many laughs and stories with members and visitors alike, and he never knew a stranger.
Jerry was a devoted husband who cherished his wife, Jayne Smith Frye, for 35 years. He was a loving father to his children, Jay Frye (Kim) and Marnie Clayton and a wonderful stepfather to Tracy Imler (Randy) and Trish Guilford (Philip). Jerry was a treasured friend and brother to Nancy Wolff (Mel). He and Jayne were blessed with 14 grandchildren: Mary-Riley Clayton Walker (Daniel), Heyward Clayton, Emma Clayton, Katie Wallace Frye, Tori Turner, Taylor Hazlehurst, Peri Stark (Josh), Alex Finley, Lane Imler, Robbie Finley, Ross Imler, Katelin Finley, Adeline Guilford, and Ethan Guilford; and four great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his stepson, Tony Turner; his son-in-law, Richard Clayton, and his brother-in-law, Pete Stiehr.
Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on through the many lives he touched. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Brookwood Church, 580 Brookwood Point Pl, Simpsonville, SC 29681. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please continue Jerry's legacy by extending a random act of kindness to someone this week.
Jerry was born on August 22, 1938 in Anniston, Alabama to his parents, the late Weldon B. "Sarge" and Ruby Frye. He grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, and attended Dentsville High School, where he excelled in sports, particularly football.
After high school, Jerry was recruited to play baseball at the University of South Carolina, but he returned to football and played tight end and defensive end for the Gamecocks. He walked on to the team in 1957, but became a standout member of the Gamecocks' football program, even serving as co-captain during his final season in 1960. Jerry played in the 1960 North South All-Star Game under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1961. Jerry loved the Palmetto State and coached multiple high school sports teams to state championships.
While he loved the Gamecocks long after he stopped playing at Williams-Brice, one thing everyone knew about Jerry was his love for Jesus. He was known for his kind heart, his generous spirit, and his willingness to help others in need. Jerry was a founding member of Brookwood Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina and served as Trustee Emeritus. Jerry was a well-known figure at Brookwood who welcomed everyone into service as an Usher and served with the Men's Ministry. One of Jerry's favorite things was spreading the gospel of Jesus. He loved being the hands and feet of Jesus by feeding the hungry and less fortunate through Nothing But Jesus Street Ministries in downtown Greenville. He shared many laughs and stories with members and visitors alike, and he never knew a stranger.
Jerry was a devoted husband who cherished his wife, Jayne Smith Frye, for 35 years. He was a loving father to his children, Jay Frye (Kim) and Marnie Clayton and a wonderful stepfather to Tracy Imler (Randy) and Trish Guilford (Philip). Jerry was a treasured friend and brother to Nancy Wolff (Mel). He and Jayne were blessed with 14 grandchildren: Mary-Riley Clayton Walker (Daniel), Heyward Clayton, Emma Clayton, Katie Wallace Frye, Tori Turner, Taylor Hazlehurst, Peri Stark (Josh), Alex Finley, Lane Imler, Robbie Finley, Ross Imler, Katelin Finley, Adeline Guilford, and Ethan Guilford; and four great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his stepson, Tony Turner; his son-in-law, Richard Clayton, and his brother-in-law, Pete Stiehr.
Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on through the many lives he touched. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Brookwood Church, 580 Brookwood Point Pl, Simpsonville, SC 29681. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please continue Jerry's legacy by extending a random act of kindness to someone this week.