Donald Franklin Fraley

Donald Franklin Fraley, 67, passed away on February 21, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, friend and human being. His quick wit, amazing sense of humor, kindness and generosity will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him. Don was born October 5, 1947, to the late Arthur and Anna May Fraley in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville and West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia, where he met his wife and the love of his life, Deborah. Don’s long career in land development, home building and real estate began in 1969 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He and his family made Raleigh home in 1984. Don loved his work and particularly enjoyed the many friends he made over the course of his career. He was a Past President of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County, a former Director of the National Association of Home Builders, and a Board Member to several area banks. Don also had a strong sense of community and served as Chairman to the Raleigh Civic Authority and was a Board Member and Past President to the North Carolina Theatre. One of Don’s favorite pastimes was to play golf, and he had many great times and made many friends at North Ridge Country Club. Don’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. Whether it was a family trip to Lake Gaston, a visit with his sisters and family in Jacksonville, a vacation with friends, birthday celebrations, holiday get-togethers, or simply enjoying a glass of wine on the porch with Deborah, his favorite time was time that was spent with his loved ones. He was exceedingly proud of his four grandchildren and he was equally loved and adored by them. Don is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Deborah Hughes Fraley; his two children, Don, Jr., and wife, Brandi, and Julie Hollowell, and husband, Chuck; his four grandchildren, Madeleine and Tripp Fraley, and Hill and Holden Hollowell; his sister DeDe Long, and husband, Jim; his sister Dana Blair; his aunt Betty Sanders; his uncle Norman Wilcox; four nephews and many cousins. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Don to the North Carolina Theatre (www.nctheatre.com), the Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County Charitable Foundation (www.hbawake.com), or Transitions LifeCare (www.transitionslifecare.org). The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8pm at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Friday at 2pm at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road.

Donald Franklin Fraley

October 5, 1947 - February 21, 2015