Gene Frye Obituary

ERWIN - Gene Frye, age 92, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Johnson City Medical Center. A native of Erwin, Gene is a son of the late Dewey and Ethel (Hensley) Frye. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon. He had a lifelong career with the railroad, having retired from CSX Transportation. Gene and Betty celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in August of 2022, while surrounded by their loving family. In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Grubb; brother, Fred Frye, and two sisters: Patsy Westberry and Goldie Herrin.

Gene Frye has left behind to cherish his memory: beloved wife of 75 years, Betty Hatcher Frye; daughters: Phyllis Kasonik (Bob), and Becky Knox (George); grandchildren: Mandy Blackburn (Chad), Jenny Ely (Adam), Ashley Kasonik (Brian), Karli Susi (Alan), Nick Baldwin, Natalie Shannon (Ryan), and Billy Knox (Autumn); great-grandchildren: Adelaide Susi, John Susi, Lila Eshenour, Claire Eshenour, Campbell Knox, Chappell Knox and Archie Shannon; and sister, Sandra Volena Tipton (Phil).

The family would like to offer special thanks to Gene's special neighbors, Joe and Carolyn White, for all of their love and care.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Gene Frye in a funeral service to be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Valley Funeral Home. Reverend David Crutchfield, Reverend Gary Montgomery and Reverend Eddie Rice will officiate. Musical selections will be provided by Larry Pate. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 12:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2023 and will continue until service time at Valley Funeral Home. A graveside committal service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery following the funeral on Friday. Those attending the committal service should meet at Valley Funeral Home by 2:00 pm on Friday, June 16, 2023 to go in procession to the cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Bob Kasonik, George Knox, Nick Baldwin, Chad Blackburn, Billy Knox and Joseph White. Honorary pallbearers will be the Regular Fellows Men's Sunday School Class at Calvary Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Gene's name to Calvary Baptist Church, 540 Adams Street, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Gene Frye through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.