Melvin Eugene Fraley, 80, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at his home. He was born in Gaston County on May 10, 1935, son of the late John Finley Fraley and Emma Jenkins Fraley. Melvin was a 1953 graduate of Bessemer City High School. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, James Fraley and Wayne Fraley.
Melvin secured his first job at twelve years old as a Little Gaston Gazette Merchant delivering newspapers. For 20 years he worked for H&E Tobacco Company and for a short time, Melvin and James Carver owned, F & C Distributors. In December 2003, he retired from Heafner Brothers of Cherryville after 34 years as General Manager.
Melvin was an active member at First Baptist Church, Cherryville where he served as a Deacon, Bus Ministry Driver, Choir member, Church usher, and a member of Bill Barger's Sunday School Class. For more than 13 years he served the community volunteering every day at Cherryville Area Ministries. Melvin was a Mason since 1978, serving as Past Master in 1983 of the Cherryville Masonic Lodge #505 A.F.&A.M. In his free time, he enjoyed buying and selling on Ebay.
Mr. Fraley is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Juanita Clanton Fraley; son, Ricky Eugene Fraley of Kings Mountain, daughter Tammy Wilson and husband Gary of Belmont; sister-in-law, Gloria Carpenter and husband Joe of Kings Mountain; Brother-in-law, Tony Clanton and wife Felice of Gastonia; Sister-in-law, Helen Fraley of Indiana; two grandchildren, Kayla Wilson and fiance Tim Lemponen of Greenville, SC; Travis Wilson and wife Sarah of Belmon; Ashley Fraley and fiancé Michael Spencer of Bessemer City; two great grandsons, Jay Coley, Jr. and Ben Wilson, and great granddaughter, Zadiee Spencer; and other loving relatives and friends.
Services will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 3:00 p.m at First Baptist Church, Cherryville with Dr. Vince Hefner officiating, with Masonic Rites by Cherryville Lodge #505 A.F. & A.M . Burial will follow at Westview Gardens in Bessemer City.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Cherryville, 301 East 1st St., Cherryville NC 28021 or Hospice of Gaston County, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 2054.
Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Fraley
Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com |
