Robert James Frazier

Robert James Frazier, 77, of Mulberry Road in Martinsville, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at his residence following a long battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Martinsville on October 3, 1934 to James Russell and Elizabeth Clay Barker Frazier, both deceased. He was a graduate of Martinsville High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict on loan to the National Security Agency in Arlington, VA.

For many years, Robert was a top sales representative for the contract division of American of Martinsville. Later he was employed by the company to head up that segment which, under his direction, became the biggest in the hospitality industry. He went on to start up successful contract divisions for several other furniture manufacturing companies, including locally, Bassett Furniture Company and most recently, Dillon Furniture Manufacturing Company in Dillon, South Carolina.

He was certified as a Master Hotel Supplier by the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association. He also was a Founding Member of the Interior Design Advisory Board at Virginia Tech. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Deanna Sowry Frazier of the residence; two daughters, Susan Wills and Deborah Prymak, both of Richmond; two sons, Robert J. Frazier, Jr. of Goodyear, Arizona and Michael Frazier of Martinsville; one grandson, Forrest Prymak; one sister, Shirley F. Stone of Collinsville.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville with Dr. Dennis Knight and the Rev. John Fulcher officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at McKee-Stone Funeral Home and other times at the residence.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Martinsville, 23 Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112 or to The Hospice of Memorial Hospital, c/o Martinsville Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 1124, Martinsville, VA 24114.

You may express condolences on line at www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.