Arthur Frederick Drye

Arthur Frederick Drye passed away on October 5, 2025. He was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, to Frank Louis Drye and Artoria Williams Drye on May 30th, 1934. He grew up on the campus of Tuskegee University and the Tuskegee Air Force Training Base.

In 1947, his family moved to Los Angeles. He joined the Air Force after high school and, following his service, he earned his teaching credential and a master's degree. This led to a career with the Los Angeles Unified School District as a social studies teacher, an administrator, and later a vice principal. In those years he had a son, Michael Drye (1960). Later he met and married the love of his life, Ruth Tapia, also an educator. Art and Ruth both cared deeply for the youth in their lives, devoting themselves beyond the classroom as mentors to hundreds of young students. He inspired countless of them to pursue their education and lead fulfilling lives.

He is survived by his granddaughter Brandie Tinsley, three great-grandchildren, Jacie, Wyatt, and Tyler, his sister Mary Drye Bell, and many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Michael, and his beloved wife Ruth. He is deeply loved and will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held in March. Email [email protected] for more information. In lieu of gifts and flowers donations are appreciated to The Art Ponce Scholarship at Theodore Roosevelt High School, c/o Mr. Raul Mata, 2530 E. 4th St., Los Angeles, CA 90033.