Eugene Frye

Colonel Eugene Frye, combat veteran of World War ll, Korea and Viet Nam passed away on February 20, 2011. He is preceded in death by parents; Robert and Bettie Frye of Nashville, Tn., brother Robert Frye, sister Reba (Lancaster) Frye and sister Rebecca Frye. Eugene joined the navy in 1943 serving in the South Pacific. He was part of the occupation fleet that sailed into Sasebo, Japan. Following the end of WW ll he served in China for the next two years. He returned to the United States and transferred to the Army Air Force. While working on the flight line fueling aircraft he decided he would rather fly them so he applied for flight school. He graduated number one in his class and started flying the C-119 just in time to join the start of the Korean War in 1950. In the spring of 1953 he returned to the US and became a B-47 pilot. After several years he transitioned to the B-52 which he flew leading up to his assignment to the Royal Air Force Bomber Command in High Wycombe, England. Returning to the United States he served in a variety of command positions to include Base Commander of Sewart Air Force Base Smyrna, Tennessee. He successfully closed the Smyrna base and received his promotion to Colonel for a job well done. His next assignment was to NKP, Thailand as Director of Maintenance of a special operations wing supporting the Viet Nam War. His final mission was as Chief of the Pacific Air Force Inspector General Combat Readiness Team. After 30 years of military service Eugene became a gentleman farmer raising cattle and grand children. He is greatly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Gladys Payne Frye, sons Steven and wife Caren (Olympia, Wa), Ashley and wife Emily (Montgomery, Al), Jeffrey and wife Nancy (Atlanta, Ga), Mark and wife Lynne (Roanoke, Va). He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many family and friends. He will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery located in Chattanooga, Tn. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the USO or to your charity of choice. Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel, East Ridge, TN.