James Richard Frye died June 30, 2022 at his home in Southaven, Mississippi after a brief illness.
Richard Frye was born on January 9, 1940 in Bemis, Tennessee to the late James H Frye and Annie LaRue Carden Frye. Richard graduated from South Side High School, Jackson Tennessee in 1958. Richard was well known for his musical ability and played piano, organ and accordion throughout the area his whole life. He had a natural gift and began playing as accompanist at age 11. His senior year in high school he was part of a group with two other classmates called the “Midnight Ramblers”. If he heard a song, he could play it. He worked for Pilant Music Center in Memphis for a number of years. He played piano and organ at special choral events at the historical Tennessee Denmark Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church in Bemis for a number of years. He played the piano for the Southern Praise group in Southaven, MS. He was often asked to accompany many vocal artists. He was the favorite accompanist for noted opera singer, entertainer and philanthropist Marguerite Piazza who adopted Memphis as her hometown.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter Terri LaRue Shackelford; his aunt, Pauline Frye Carnell who raised him and cousin Juanita Carnell Campbell who was like a sister; his uncle, John David Carden; aunt, Marie Carden Haltom; and uncles Ab Frye, Arvin Frye, and Sam Frye.
Richard is survived by a brother James Frye of Medina, sister Janet Gattes and many loved ones and family: Jamie Carden Boone, Bruce Carden, Teresa Haltom, Steve Frye, Helen Frye Bell, Gerald Frye, Odell Frye, Ronnie Cole, Nellie Moore and Tommy Ward of Southaven, MS., Allen Ward, Kimberly Ward, Cassandra Getsinger, Richard Ward, Jason Ward, Christopher Ward, and David Ward.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 7th at 1pm. at the South Chapel of George A Smith and Sons Funeral Home. Visitation from 12 until 1pm with funeral service following at 1p.m. and burial following at Hollywood Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GASmithandSonsFuneralHome.com for the Frye family.
