Fritz Frederick Fridley, age 71, of Montevallo, Alabama passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021. Fritz was born January 28, 1950 to Hesse Fridley and Cornelia Mahan Fridley in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was raised with 3 siblings. Fritz was an adventurer with a devotion to his country. At 17 he received special permission from his parents to join to the Marine Corps, perhaps to avoid going to class. Fritz served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief. While serving his country Fritz was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame, and Combat Air Crew Insignia with 3 stars. Fritz said he always knew he would make it home from Vietnam. After his return back to the states Fritz married the love of his life Lynne Trapp. He worked as a mechanic and a welder, eventually building his own race car which he enjoyed taking to B.I.R. in Birmingham and to Wilsonville. Fritz was not the type to sit still and loved anything that was fast, whether it be cars, motorcycles, boats, helicopters, or just life itself, and though Lynne was not fond of being a passenger on the motorcycle they still supported each others passions. She let him tinker on any toy he wanted and was his biggest fan at the track; he made sure his car advertised for pet owners to get their dogs and cats spayed or neutered, and he brought home just as many strays as Lynne. They traveled to the outback of Australia for Lynne's work and a month of adventure. As Fritz grew older and was forced to slow down he found joy in gardening, boating at their spot on Lake Guntersville, and searching for arrowheads and other rare stones. He and Lynne still enjoyed traveling and even made a trip to Jamaica, but Fritz being the character he was wanted the real experience, so they stayed on the opposite end of the island from the resorts and enjoyed true Jamaican culture with the locals.
Fritz Fridley is preceded in death by his parents Hesse and Cornelia; and brothers, Hess S. Fridley and John R. Fridley.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Lynne Trapp Fridley; sister; Nita Furlong (Dan); sisters-in-law; Kathy Fridley and Tracy Fridley; niece, Caroline; nephews, Hess, Marc, Tyler, Russell,
and Ryan; as well as a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and brothers in arms.
Fritz was a kind soul who loved to laugh and wanted to make those around him laugh. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A visitation for Fritz will occur Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Rockco Funeral Home, Montevallo, Alabama followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM at Rockco Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, a committal service for Fritz will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Mahan - Smith Cemetery, Brierfield, Alabama. Fritz would want everyone to be comfortable so please dress casually. In Lieu of flowers please donate to your local animal shelter or veterans organization.
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