Julius Harry Frey

1923 - 2016

March 6, 1923 - August 22, 2016
Our good friend, Harry, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2016.

He was born on March 6, 1923 in Laredo, TX to Julius Harry and Lucille Frey, who preceded him in death. Also, Jerry Ann Woodard Frey, his wife of 47 years, preceded him in death. His survivors include his sister-in-law Kay Burton and niece Pam Burton of Colorado Springs, Co, and nephew Steve Burton and wife Michelle of Amarillo, TX.

Harry graduated from Brackenridge HS in 1946 after having served six years in the Navy during WWII. He attended Sul Ross University for a short time and later transferred to Trinity University, where he earned a BS degree in Social Service in 1949. He went back to Sul Ross University during 2 summers to earn his teaching certificate. He chose Sul Ross because he could take his horse as he had an avid interest in roping at that time. Continuing his education, Harry attended Southwest Oklahoma State College where he earned a Master's of Education degree in 1971. He also received an Industrial Education Certification in 1973 from Texas A&M University. Throughout his post-war years, Harry served as a school administrator in the Eagle Pass ISD and as a vocational instructor, including teaching classes in drafting and industrial arts, principally at MacArthur HS in San Antonio where he eventually retired.

He joined the Navy at 17 years old in 1940, and served on the USS Lexington CV-2. The ship was one of the first to arrive at Pearl Harbor after the attack. From Pearl Harbor he went to the Battle of the Coral Sea where the Lexington went down. Harry also served on the USS Bennington and the USS Card. He was honorably discharged in 1951. His military honors included the American Defense Medal (1 star), Asiatic Pacific Medal (2 stars), American Theater Medal, European African Medal, Victory Medal, and President Unit Citation Award (1 Blue Star).

Harry was a vibrant, energetic and enthusiastic person. He was a Master Mason raised in Bluebonnet Lodge (May 14, 1954), and was a member of Charles Anderson lodge till his passing. Harry was a member of the Alzafar Shrine Temple, Past President of the Golf Unit, Past President & Founder of the Shotgun unit and committee member for the "Pulling For Kids" Tournament for Shriners Hospitals. In addition to his Masonic work, he had many interests such as hunting, motorcycles, and golf. His favorite past time was skeet shooting including winning the 2014 Armed Forces HOA Super Veteran Class at 91 and was sponsored by Blaser.

There will be a celebration of Harry's life on September 28, 2016 at the Shrine Auditorium on 1604 and Blanco (901 N Loop 1604 W) at 6:30pm with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital Alzafar Transportation Fund, 901 N Loop 1604 W, San Antonio, TX 78258. Additional memorials can be made to the High Plains Food Bank, PO BOX 31803, Amarillo TX, 79120.