Obituary of William Lee Frei

William “Bill” Frei passed away at age 90 at the Virginia Veterans Care Center. He was preceded in death by his father, Harper Frei, mother, Marian Lee Frei, brother, G.A. “Buddy” Frei, niece Bonnie Frei Coburn, and longtime companion Sara Kite.

He is survived by nephews, Dan Frei, and Matthew Frei; nieces, Dixie Frei and Jenny Frei; sister in law, Dorothy Frei.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Roanoke Virginia. He served in the Army in Korea and Japan as part of the post-war occupation force from 1945 to 1950. He was a graduate of Emory and Henry College, playing football there, and was named an All Smokey Mountain Guard. He also taught English for a short time. He went to work at Norfolk Southern until his retirement.

Bill was a good and loyal friend to many people – always willing to help when needed. He was very interested in history and sports and he always supported Emory and Henry, was a Civil War buff and an ardent Cubs fan.  (He was very excited when the Cubs won the World Series!)

Bill’s ashes will be interred beside his Mother’s grave at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, (the family requests no flowers), memorials in his name can be sent to your favorite charity or to Emory and Henry College.