Robert W. Frye

Robert W. Frye (“Bob”), passed away on April 21, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 81. He was born on December 31, 1943, in Huntington, West Virginia. After spending his early years in Logan, West Virginia, Bob and his parents made the move to South Florida in 1955. They ended up settling in Fort Lauderdale, where Bob’s father built a life for his family.

Bob was an alumnus of Fort Lauderdale High School, graduating in 1962. Though he never attended college, Bob found success with Sears, Roebuck & Company, where he rose to upper management in the South Florida region. It was during his early years at Sears that Bob met the love of his life, Linda (Parnell), whom he would marry and spend 54 joyful years with.

Bob believed deeply in the value of a hard day’s work—a principle he passed down to his two sons, Robert L. Frye (of Plantation) and Jeffrey A. Frye (of Plantation). He was immensely proud of his sons and their accomplishments, and he cherished watching them grow up, start families of their own, and become fathers. He was affectionately known as "Papaw" to his two grandsons, Connor (14) and Bobby (13), a title he wore with great pride.

An avid outdoorsman, Bob found joy in hunting and fishing and made it a point to teach both sons to enjoy the same. Jeff eventually joined him on the seas in commercial fishing after Bob retired from Sears. His passion for the outdoors lives on in his grandsons, a legacy of which he was extremely proud.

Bob never met a stranger he did not “know.” With a warm smile and a story always at the ready—often about the “good ol’ days” and fishing—he made friends wherever he went. For many, he was more than a friend; he was a mentor and a father figure, especially to those younger who gravitated to his wisdom, humor, and generous spirit.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Linda, his mother Levada, and his father Robert. He is survived by his sons Bob (Lillian) and Jeff (Kelly), and his grandsons Connor and Bobby. He also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives he touched over the years.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on April 29, 2025, at T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home, located at 7001 NW 4th St, Plantation, FL. A gathering will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at approximately 11:30 AM, followed by a reception at Ford’s Garage in Plantation Walk.

As friends and family gather to honor Bob’s memory, they’ll remember a man whose warmth, strength, and laughter left a lasting mark on everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his wife, Linda.