Charles Royall Frazer II, a man whose larger-than-life journey on this Earth was filled with many chapters, just finished writing his marvelous life story. He passed away peacefully at his home in Bedford, Virginia, on November 9, 2024, at the age of 79. Charlie was born on February 26, 1945, to James Royall Frazer and Maria Strand Frazer in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was raised in Garden City, New York, and he was a proud alumnus of St. Paul’s School in Garden City (Class of 1964). There, he wrote for the student newspaper, served as Vice President of the school’s music club, competed on the varsity football team, and lettered in varsity track and wrestling. He attended Syracuse University, where he joined the college’s marching band. However, Charlie would soon transfer to George Washington University in Washington D.C., and it was there, while playing guitar at a house party, he would meet the legendary “Father of Rock and Roll” himself, Chuck Berry. Though Charlie received his BBA from Adelphi University, he would ultimately join Berry on tour as his guitarist. During that time, he gigged with Bo Diddley, jammed with Eric Clapton, and even opened for James Brown. He also served as the music director for The Shirelles. When Charlie returned home to Garden City to take a break from his hectic touring schedule, he met Andrea, the love of his life. They married in 1977 and had three children: Charlotte, James, and Bear. In the 1980s, Charlie distanced himself from the music industry and focused on real estate so he could spend more time with his family. He also founded his own commercial real estate company, Pro Realty, in Hempstead, New York. Although his career kept him incredibly busy, the dedicated family man made sure to attend every one of his children’s school plays, concerts, and soccer and softball games. Dreaming of a quieter life with mountain views, Charlie and Andrea relocated to picturesque Bedford in August 2001. There, he continued to work on his business deals, spend more valuable time with his family, and bond with his four beautiful grandchildren all the way up to his final days on this Earth. Charlie loved James Bond flicks, westerns, telling jokes, and sharing stories. He was fiercely protective of those he loved, and by God, did he love us well. And now, like a cowboy at the end of one of his beloved westerns, he has ridden off into the sunset, leaving us with a legacy of love, laughter, music, and memories that will keep his spirit alive. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents James R. Frazer and Maria S. Frazer, and his sisters Janice VanBuren Frazer and Maria Kristina Frazer. He is survived by his devoted wife Andrea D. Frazer, daughter Charlotte Farley and her husband Matthew Farley, son James R. Frazer II and his partner Catherine Schofield, his youngest son, Bear, and his younger brothers James S. Frazer and Marc T. Frazer. He also leaves behind four amazing grandchildren: Ridley, Wesley, Liam, and Griffin. A Celebration of Life will be held at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut Street, Bedford, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 15th with a service beginning at 7 p.m. If you would like to make a charitable donation in Charlie’s memory, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. If you’d prefer to send flowers, please send them to Walnut Street Chapel. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford.
