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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF JOHN RHETT FRAZIER, SR., OF NEWBERRY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Rhett Frazier, Sr., of Newberry on February 12, 2020, at the venerable age of one hundred; and
Whereas, born September 21, 1919, in Clinton, John Frazier was the son of James Blair Frazier, Sr., and Frances Ann Copeland Frazier. A member of the "Greatest Generation," John grew up on the family farm in Blair with his brothers, James Blair Frazier, Jr., and Francis Marion Frazier. He loved the freedom the farm afforded in walking and hunting in the woods, which shaped his love for working in the timber business; and
Whereas, in 1936, he graduated from Monticello High School and left to attend Clemson Agricultural and Military College. Having earned a degree in civil engineering from that institution in 1940, he enrolled at Duke University to obtain a master's degree in forestry. His schooling was interrupted by World War II. John entered the Army as a second lieutenant in 1942. After serving thirteen months in the Caribbean Defense Command, Panama, as a platoon leader in Company C, he was transferred to the 271st Engineering Combat Battalion. He advanced to the rank of first lieutenant. In January 1945, the 71st Infantry Division was assigned to the European Theatre, and in April 1945 the division was assigned to Patton's Third Army. Upon the wounding of his commander, John took command and disengaged a bridge demolition device, which allowed the 71st Division to advance farther into Germany while engaging and defeating the German Southern Army; and
Whereas, upon returning home, John finished his master's degree in forestry at Duke. In 1946, he moved to Newberry and began a successful business in the timber and forest products industry. John was remembered in his business as a hardworking, six-days-a-week gentleman who gave his word to those with whom he worked and honored his commitments. It was said of him that if you looked up the definition of "gentleman" in the dictionary, John Frazier's name would be found there; and
Whereas, in 1948, the family joined Aveleigh Presbyterian Church. Proud of his Scottish heritage, John remained an active member for seventy-two years. His love for the Lord shined in his service to the church as deacon, elder, superintendent of Sunday School, and treasurer; and
Whereas, whenever called upon, he demonstrated Christlike love to his church and community. Among many other services John performed for others, he delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife, Juanita, for twenty years. A member of the Newberry Lions Club for more than twenty years, he served in many offices and delighted in purchasing brooms and sharing them with friends and family. Until age ninety-four, he would kneel at his bed to offer prayers of gratitude and praise before retiring for the evening. His life reflected his fervent faith and was a worthy example to his family; and
Whereas, predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty-nine years, Juanita Ruth Williams Frazier, as well as by a grandson, William Blair Frazier, John Frazier leaves to cherish his memory his son, J. Rhett Frazier, Jr. (Brenda); his daughter, Susan Frazier Newton (Rusty); his grandchildren, John Rhett Frazier III (Gready), Julianne Frazier Reynolds (Joe), Jennifer Newton Warnock (Ralph), James Bradford Newton (Tara), and Robert Frazier Newton (Lauren); ten great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of John Rhett Frazier, Sr., of Newberry and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to J. Rhett Frazier, Jr., for the family.
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