Ray Frierson

Obituary For Ray Frierson

Bronx, NY

Ray Frierson, 84, died Friday, May 1, 2020 at Isabella Rehab Center, Manhattan, NY. Ray, the youngest of nine children, was born March 29, 1936 in Lynchburg, SC, a son of the late Rev. Richard Odell Frierson and Sarah Fulwood Frierson. He was preceded in death by his siblings, William Frierson, Edward Frierson, Walker Frierson, Henry Frierson, Richard Frierson, Jr., Theodore Frierson, Ella Mae Monroe and Mary Jane Richardson, and his grandson, Tony Durant. He was a lifelong member of St. John United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, South Carolina. He supported his church community and was willing to assist with many fundraisers. Ray was educated in the Sumter County School District. He attended St. John Elementary School and Eastern High School. At Eastern High School, he was able to gain a meaningful work experience as a School Bus Driver. The skills and knowledge he gained in his role as a School Bus Driver proved to be beneficial when he became an adult.

Ray moved to New York City in 1959. He was gainfully employed in the Produce Industry for many years before gaining employment with the New York Transit System as a Bus Operator. Ray retired from the New York Transit System after rendering 21 years of service. After his retirement, he returned to South Carolina and decided to restart his family business. Ray managed Frierson’s Grocery up until his health began to fail in 2016.

Ray loved a good time and lived life to the fullest. He always made sure to provide ways to entertain his family and friends. He was very well known for hosting gatherings to celebrate birthdays, holidays or simply ‘just because’. He was a people person. To know him was to love him. He had an engaging personality, easy smile, and a great sense of humor. Those who knew him well considered him to be a loyal friend. He was married to Deloris Nelson. Ray and Deloris became the proud parents of two wonderful children, Gwendolyn and Reginald Frierson.

He leaves to mourn his death, Deloris Frierson of New York, NY; his children: Tony McCray (Phyllis) of Lynchburg, SC; Gwendolyn Frierson of New York, NY; Reginald Frierson of Bronx, NY; and LaVandra DuPree (Anthony) of Stanford, Ct.; his grandchildren: Jetuan, Janell, Zaqura, Sinclair, Delray, Sade, Alexis and Aaron; 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-laws, Lottie G. Frierson and Barbara J. Frierson of Lynchburg, SC; one brother-in-law, Dr. Leo Richardson of Columbia, SC; a special friend, Mabel Bracy of Lynchburg, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins and friends.

Graveside services for Mr. Frierson will be held 1:00 PM Monday, May 11, 2020 at St. John UMC Cemetery, 4640 Narrow Pave Road, Lynchburg, SC. Rev. Gracie Singletary, Pastor, officiating.