Gerald Dean Frye (97) of Lady Lake, FL

Gerald Dean Frye, 97, of Lady Lake, Florida, passed away peacefully at 1:39 pm Friday, February 23, 2024 at The Villages Hospice House in The Villages, Florida.

Gerald was born on the family farm in Louisville, Illinois the son of Charles E. and Viola Fern (Baker) Frye. Gerald was then called to serve his Country in the US Navy during WWII. When he returned home, he married Betty Lou Dawkins on July 3, 1948 in Louisville and they shared nearly 66 years of marriage together before she preceded him in death on May 8, 2014. He was a man of many talents, which was reflected in his varied work history. Gerald's hands were skilled, and his work ethic was unmatched; he built a reputation as a proficient carpenter and welder. His mechanical aptitude and personable nature also led him to a period of selling cars, where he was known for his honest advice and friendly demeanor. In his later years, Gerald found a sense of purpose working for the Highway Department, contributing to the safety and infrastructure of his beloved state of Illinois. He concluded his professional life as a Driver License Examiner for the State of Illinois, a role in which he took great pride. His colleagues remember him as a man who combined professionalism with kindness, always ensuring that new drivers felt at ease during what could be a nervewracking experience. Gerald was a long-time member of the Louisville American Legion Post 914, the Louisville Masonic Lodge, and was a member of the Red Brush Christian Church. In his retirement, Gerald enjoyed the sunny climate of The Villages, Florida, where he spent his days surrounded by friends and engaging in the activities he loved. He was a familiar face at community events and took pleasure in the camaraderie of his fellow residents. While living in Florida, Gerald took up the game of golf and loved to be out in the Florida sunshine playing any chance he could get. He was most proud that the he had hit 3 holes in one.

Gerald is survived by his children: Jim (Joyce) Frye, Scott (Kimberly) Frye, Sue (Don) Dean, Cathy (Bud) Clark, and Nancy (Alan) Kessler; grandchildren: Rob Kessler, Michael Kessler, Mark Kessler, Jerod Kessler, Jamie Dozier, Jill DeMoor, Jacob Frye, Alexandra Frye, Madison Frye, Justin Dean, Kristin Dean-Halfhide; 23 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; grandson: Travis Dean; brothers: Bill Frye, Robert Frye, Donald Frye; sisters: Maxine Wieldt, Hazel Akes.

Funeral services to celebrate Gerald’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville with Ron Payne officiating. Burial with military funeral honors will follow at the Red Brush Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home where friends may call from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm with a Masonic Service starting at 12:45 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation (2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, Florida 32778). To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of Gerald, please visit by clicking here.