of Little Rock, AR

April 12, 1931 - September 30, 2017

Edward O. Fryar SR. 86 of Little Rock, passed away September 30, 2017 with his family at his side. He was born on April 12, 1931 in Oden, Arkansas.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents Edward "Ted" Fryar and Dora Fryar, and succeeded by his wife of 66 years Peggy Atchley Fryar; one sister Dottie Hughes (Jim) of Bryant; one brother Larry Fryar (Kathy) of Benton; two sons, Edward O. Fryar, Jr. (Michelle) of Rogers, and Bradley T. Fryar (Sherri) of Bryant; grandchildren Ashley Hiller, Devin Fryar, Taryn Claassen and Cody Fryar; and great grandchildren Rachel Hiller, Tobias Hiller, Carter Hiller, Emmy Hiller, Keaton Hiller, Ethan Hiller, and Leighton Fryar.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Electrical Engineering. And more notably, he was the first person in his family to earn a college degree. After graduating, he went to work for the Little Rock District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he had a distinguished career. The Corp of Engineers selected Ed to attend the University of Chicago where he then obtained his MBA in a single year and then returned to Little Rock. While at the Corps, he was awarded the Commandeers Award for Civilian Service in 1981 and the Decoration for Meritorious Service from the Commanding General of the U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers in 1987. In 1994 he was admitted to the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees for the Little Rock District.

After retiring from the Corps, he began numerous land developments. He also played a major role in founding Ozark Mountain Poultry and served as a vice President of Contractor Specialties. He was a member of Little Rock First Baptist Church on Pleasant Valley Drive.
Throughout his life he was an avid supporter and unwavering Razorback fan attending games in Razorback Stadium and War Memorial Stadium for over 60 years. According to his sons, he celebrated the 1964 National Championship, endured 100 plus degree games, snow, rain, sleet, and John L. Smith and never lost his passion for the Razorbacks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Arkansas Ovarian Cancer Coalition (PO Box 7796, Little Rock, AR 72217) or the Arkansas Children's Hospital - Oncology (1 Children's Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202).

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Arkansas Hospice and Parkway Health Center for their support in his final days.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, October 3, 10:00 A.M. at Little Rock First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M. Interment will take place at Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, AR at 3:00 P.M.

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