DeCorsey “Dee” Fraley
DeCorsey “Dee” Fraley, 93, of Paris, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 19th after a brief illness in Denver, Colorado.
Born in Breathitt County, Kentucky, to Thomas and Catherine Fraley on March 26, 1932, he built a long and fulfilling life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and unwavering perseverance. He was the 6th of 10 kids and ran track and played football for the Bradford High Owls after relocating with his family to Bradford, Pennsylvania at the age of 10.
A proud Marine Corps veteran, Dee honorably served his country during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp in 1954 at the rank of Sergeant. His sense of duty, strength, and discipline carried forward into every chapter of his life.
After his service, Dee became a successful business owner in Paris, Kentucky, where he operated several flooring companies for more than 50 years. He was known for his strong work ethic, his honesty, his Faith and the genuine care he showed his customers and community. Through decades of dedication, he built not only thriving businesses in Paris but lasting relationships with all of his customers, friends and family. He was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Paris for more than 35 years.
Dee was married to his beloved wife, Beula, for over 28 years before her passing in 2021. Their partnership was a foundation of love, support, and mutual respect—one he cherished throughout his life.
He is survived by his five children, who were his greatest pride: Steve and David Fraley of Wilmington, North Carolina, Sheila Hayes and her husband Scott Hayes of Erie, Pennsylvania, Bryan Fraley and his wife Peden Fraley of Paris, Kentucky, and Clint Fraley of Denver, Colorado. He was a devoted grandfather to 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Megan Patterson (Hayes), Andrew Hayes, Makayla Fraley, Madison Fraley, Adeline Fraley, Harrison Fraley, Tyler Armstrong Fraley, Eli Patterson, Tucker and Eliza Diamond. He was preceded in death by his son Johnny Fraley. His legacy continues in their lives and in the values he helped instill in each of them.
He is also survived by several siblings: Troy Fraley of Morristown, Tennessee; June Grove of Grapevine, Texas and Ann Morris of Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Dee will be remembered for his resilience, his warm heart, and the deep loyalty he showed to those he loved. His life’s story is one of service, family, and unwavering determination.
A memorial service and burial for Dee will occur this summer in Paris, Kentucky.
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing; he was a great man and friend! I was one of his satisfied customers of his carpet business! Yet my greatest memories of Dee will be of his beautiful voice singing during the hymn services at the chapel of Bourbon Heights! I will never hear, “Beulah Land” without thinking of Dee!
I was sorry to hear about Uncle Dee’s passing. Uncle Dee was one of my mother’s (Ann) older brothers and I always looked forward to seeing him whenever he came back to Bradford for a visit. I always thought Uncle Dee had a strong resemblance of his father, my maternal grandfather Tom Fraley, both were gentle souls…..
My condolences to all of his family and particularly to cousins Steven and David.
Tom
Dee was a wonderful grandfather to Eliza and Tucker. They have mant great memories of their times with him. His devotion to family really impacted them. And I watched his amazing devotion and love he gave Beula. He was always thinking of others and kept busy tnading to Beula until she passed. I felt his live for family and his work ethic. And so did Eliza and Tucker. An amazing man that we know his time had come, but the loss of this strong, loving man is strong. There are many tears from this side of this family. We are comforted that he is with Beula and at peace.