First in a series.
Recently the Hope Kiwanis Club paid tribute to 62-year Kiwanis member George Frazier.
The hour was filled easily as program chair Bob Willis opened the floor for anyone at the meeting to share thoughts and memories about George and Effie Frazier.
Joel Williams, of the Lagrone Williams Hardware family, was the first to give tribute. He spoke from a younger person’s point of view about Frazier and his influence.
“What can we really say, especially from my generation, to honor George?,” Williams asked. “He is one of those guys that whenever we hear stories about, we, we are scared to death to talk to the man. Then, you form all these ideas about him like he controls Hope. Of course, our parents and grandparents have told us about the all stuff he really did.
I remember best his coming into the hardware store and talk to granddad. He would always take the time to come over and ask me how I was doing in school. He was a very kind and generous man to me. He is the kindest and most inspirational man. He teaches us exactly what to strive to become.”
George Wright was next.
“I guess I am one of the few who is younger than George here,” Wright quipped. “I actually grew up across the street from him where he started his family on Second Street. Even though he was a small man in stature, he was always a big man in Hope, Arkansas, and still is. I guess you could say George Frazier is Mr. Hope, Arkansas, if there is anybody I have ever known as such a community person.
“What I remember most about 43 years ago this summer when I was at the courthouse ready to buy my marriage license, he put $5 on the table and said, ‘I want to buy this marriage license for you.’ But, that is the kind of guy he was. He is a friend to so many people, and one of the most sincere individuals you will ever run into. George Frazier is certainly much larger than five foot five, or however tall he is,” Wright said.
Wright added another humorous comment about Frazier, who is currently 91 years old.
“I remember running into him at the post office one day and he said, ‘Can you believe I will be 70 years old tomorrow?’ I hope I can live as long as George Frazier. I couldn’t believe it then and I can’t believe it now. He still looks the same. He is a wonderful, wonderful guy.”
Hope, Ark. —
