Jeff L. Fraley

Died

FRALEY, Jeff L. Jeff L. Fraley, aged 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 14, 2019. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family in Fort Worth. Memorial Service: 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 at Doxology Bible Church (formerly McKinney Bible Church) 4805 Arborlawn Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76109 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to or the TCU chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Honorary Pallbearers: Frank Bailey III, Pat Bassano, Dr. William F. Bonnell, Don A. Davis, Gerry Goodman, Richard A. Greenman, Glynne Johnston, Edward "Buzz" Kemble, Dr. Charles B. Kendall III, Jay Meadows, Dr. James Norman, Gary H. Pace, Holt Smith, John C. Snyder. Jeff was born in Dallas, Texas on July 22, 1941 to Gladys and Jeff J. Fraley. The son of an insurance man, he lived in Dallas, Corpus Christi, Albuquerque then East Grand Rapids, MI where he graduated from high school. Jeff then spent some time "trying out" various colleges until he finally landed at Texas Christian University graduating with a B.S. degree in Physical Education. He was also a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While at TCU he met his beloved wife, Carolyn Buxton, on a blind date. They were married for 54 years committed to God and each other. He began his 47 year career in financial services in 1964 in Atlanta, GA with The Equitable Life Assurance Company. He spent a year there before returning to TX - settling in Fort Worth which would remain his home for the rest of his life. He loved Fort Worth and growing his business with friends and clients. He became one of the youngest men in the nation to earn the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and was regularly one of the top agents in the nation for Equitable. He was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and was seen as a national leader in the estate planning field. Jeff was always very active in the community. He served on various boards including Lena Pope Home, Fort Worth Community Theater, Fort Worth Opera Association, Texas Society for the Prevention of Blindness, American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America and Leadership Fort Worth. He also served as general chairman of the Opera Ball and the Cancer Crusade and as President of Big Brothers / Big Sisters of North Texas, Recovery Resource Council and All Saints Hospital. He was a member of the Steeplechase Club and River Crest Country Club for over 50 years. Outside of work, "Big Jeff" loved speed, adventure, Possum Kingdom Lake and the TCU Horned Frogs. He was a skilled private pilot flying single-engine planes all over the U.S. and the Caribbean. He loved riding his motorcycles on the back roads of TX or across the country, but his greatest passion was tackling his many projects at his lake house at PK. He delighted in working with his hands throughout his entire life and took great pride in showing off his meticulous workshops. There was not a tool he didn't own and Lowe's was truly his second home. Jeff enjoyed attending TCU sporting events for the competition, camaraderie and, most importantly, the concession stands. Jeff L. was a success in all areas of his life but his greatest legacy will be that of a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend and a faithful servant of the Lord. A wise, funny, soft-spoken man, he lived his life with integrity and complete devotion to those he loved. Always impeccably dressed and always the gentleman, Jeff will be remembered for his warm smile and an authentic, personable manner that touched all that knew him. He will be missed greatly. Survivors: His wife, Carolyn; daughter, Jill and son, Jeff E.; grandchildren, Holly Manahan and Parker Manahan; brother, Jim Fraley and wife Donna; brother in law, Charles Buxton and wife Barbara and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Westside Caregivers and his full-time team of Glenda Hanney, Gail Sims and Ayesha Smith for sharing their love and talents with Jeff.

Source: Dallas Morning News

Published on: 20-04-2019