Stephen Maurice Frye

Stephen Maurice Frye, age 83, of Paris, Tennessee, died Sunday, September 8, 2024. He passed from this world peacefully taking a nap after watching his Dallas Cowboys be victorious in their first regular game of the season. 

Born on April 1, 1941, he was the son of the late Walter “Dub” Frye, Jr., and the late Edna Gammill Frye. Steve grew up on a 99-acre cattle ranch in Cleburne, Texas, riding his horse Stardust and hunting with his dog, Rosco. Upon becoming a teenager, he initiated a lifelong scandalous affair with automobiles. 

Steve joined the United States Navy in 1963, and while stationed in Millington, Tennessee, met the love of his life, Elizabeth Jane Gleason Frye, who was also enlisted in the Navy. They were married in April of 1967, and after discharge from active service, they moved to Jackson, Tennessee, to start a family. 

Steve worked as an estimator and manager for C&C Plumbing Company in Jackson, Tennessee, before retiring in 1993 to explore the world with his bride. He made homes in Granbury, Texas and Gulf Shores, Alabama, before finally settling in Paris to be close to family. In addition to his beloved wife and those damn cats, he is survived by his son Joseph (Breck) Frye, and grandchildren Shelby, Hayes, Aidan Gooch, and Orion. 

Steve was known for his perfect blend of wisdom and wit. Ever the April Fool, Steve was quick with a joke or rejoinder, usually at the expense of himself or those he loved best. If asked how he was fairing, Steve was known to respond with an honest “medium”. He will be sorely missed by friends, family, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company.

Ridgeway Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. A small and private family service will be held before internment at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Parkers Crossroads. In honor of Steve’s love for animals and football, the family asks that memorials be made to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter, 210 Forrest Heights Rd., Paris, TN 38242, or in personally worn and officially licensed Dallas Cowboys apparel.