Worley Frye, 91, of New Athens, IL, born March 22, 1930 in Wears Valley, TN, left this earthly life on Friday September 3, 2021 to be with his Lord and Savior and join his beloved wife Arlene in Heaven for all eternity. He was a retired book binder.  Mr. Frye honorably served God and Country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a helicopter rescue pilot. He was stationed around the world in Asia, Australia, Africa and the Philippines. He was of the Catholic faith and had been a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL. Worley was also a member of Graphic Communications International Union Local 6-505.  In recent years, Worley thoroughly enjoyed spending time at Jefferson Barracks VA Center in St. Louis where he was always treated with honor, respect and gratitude for his service.

Mr. Frye was preceded in death by the love of his life – the former Arlene M. Niemeyer who he had met at St. Louis Union Station in 1952 and married on April 12, 1957 and happily spent the next 51 years at her side until her death on December 22, 2008. He was also preceded by his parents – Jim and Pauline (Jenkins) Frye, two sons – John Frye and by James Douglas Frye who died in infancy and eight siblings- Nell, Lucy, Bessie, Hugh, Jimmy, Evelyn, Maggie and Oliver.

Worley is survived by his son – Michael (Dawn) Frye of Ballwin. MO, two sisters – Lottie Ogle and Patsy Henry of Wears Valley, TN, one sister-in-law – Shirley Frye and her daughter – Connie Frye, both of Sevierville, TN, one daughter-in-law – Susie Frye of Freeburg, IL, four grandchildren – Aaron Frye, John Andrew Frye, Amie (Kyle Wachtel) Frye and Tonya (Brad) Hudson, two great grandchildren – Wyatt and Whitley Hudson and many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by Bill (Tonya) Dunigan, a very special person Worley enjoyed spending time with during Bill’s formative years.

Memorials in Mr. Frye’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation: Visiting hours at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL will be from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday September 10, 2021 and also from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday September 11, 2021. Due to updated Covid-19 restrictions, face masks must be worn at all times while in the funeral home.

Funeral:  Services will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday September 11, 2021 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL.   Interment will follow at St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Joanne Hammuck says:

   09/08/2021 at 10:19 pm

   BETHEL AME CHURCH, PAYNESVILLE
   Rev. C. Jessel Strong, Pastor

   Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on, Yes Says the Spirit they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work, for their good deeds follow them, Revelation 14:136

   The Officers and Members of Bethel AME Church, Paynesville extends their heartfelt Sympathies to the Family of: Mr. Worley Frye

   I will lift up mine eyes unto the Hills, from whence cometh my Help. My Help comes from the Lord, which made Heaven and Earth. He will not slumber nor sleep. The Loris is thy keeper, The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The Sun shall not smite thee by day nor by the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and even for evermore.

   Humbly and prayerfully submitted from The Pastor, Officers and Members of Bethel AME Church, Paynesville
   Rev. C.Jessel Strong, Pastor
   Sis. Virginia Starks, Church Clerk
   Sis. Joanne Hammuck, Benevolent Chairman

   Reply
2. Paula Hottenrott says:

   09/06/2021 at 7:40 am

   This man was wonderful he will be missed by many

   Reply
3. Pamela says:

   09/05/2021 at 2:01 pm

   He sounds like a remarkable man. RIP

   Reply