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GLENN DOWLING FRAZIER

Dec. 1, 1923 – Sept. 15, 2018

Glenn Dowling Frazier was born in Fort Deposit, Ala. as the fifth child of the late John H. Frazier and Glennie Gafford Frazier.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Waverly Frazier and O’Vaughn Frazier, and sisters Sarah Nell Gresham and Betty Carolyn James.

He is survived by his brother Rupert Frazier;  his wife of 15 years, Elizabeth Terri Frazier; his children, Eric Dowling Frazier, Janice Nell Fort, Kenneth John Frazier and Mary Jo Glenn; his step-children, Neil Frazier, Lauren Waldrop and Michael Cashio; grandchildren,  Karrie Pace, Christina Taylor, Melissa Dickens,  Nathan Fort,  Ted Frazier, Eva Frazier, Isaac Frazier, Luke Frazier, great-grandchildren Amanda Dickens, Ben Taylor, Nathan Taylor, Bo Dickens, Faith Dickens, Ashlynn Taylor, Madison Frazier,  Kaylee Fort and Luke Fort; great-great-grandchild Harper Taylor; step-grandchildren Zoe DeKarske, Estella Cashio and Gaida Grace Cashio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 In 1940, at age 16, Frazier enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to the Philippines where he was captured on the Bataan Peninsula and survived the-65 mile Bataan Death March.  He was sent to POW labor camps in Japan and released after three and one-half years at the end of the WWII in 1945. He remained in active reserves for six years.

Frazier attended the Meaders-Draughn College and studied business administration and accounting.  He worked as an instructor at the Welmer Wheeler Sales Institute. Among the many businesses in which he was involved were a rental car company in North and South Carolina, Howard Van Lines, an oil drilling company, numerous land development projects and was founder of First International Corporation.

In 1994, Glenn joined the Alabama State Defense Force and rose to the rank of colonel.  It was from this point onward that he was addressed as Colonel Frazier.

In 2007, Glenn wrote and published “Hell’s Guest,” a book relating his experiences throughout WWII.  He impacted many people with his confessions of forgiveness, which he credited his later life happiness attained through his strong Christian faith.

He was selected by Ken Burns to be featured in the historic PBS documentary, “The War,” in which Frazier appeared throughout the seven segments.

In 2008, he began working with the USS Battleship Alabama in Mobile Bay.  He also undertook an extensive lecture tour traveling around the southern and mid-western states. As a lecturer and motivational Christian speaker, he inspired people of all ages. His special focus was on being a voice for veterans. He took great pride in the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and was founder of the South Alabama Veterans Council.

His military awards included the Metal of Freedom, a Bronze Star and four Purple Hearts. On Dec. 27, 2007, he was recognized in the Congressional Record for his courageous service during WWII.

In 2009, Colonel Frazier was the co-founder of the Common Sense Campaign for the Alabama Tea Party and served as an inspirational leader. He was a fiercely patriotic, exuberantly enthusiastic, energetic visionary with an entrepreneurial spirit, who set positive goals, and always looked forward to the next adventure.  He had a keen sense of humor, loved a good joke, and told many entertaining stories.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the USS Battleship Alabama on Oct. 26, 2018 from 11 a.m. to12:30 p.m.  Following the memorial, a graveside military funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort, Ala.

In lieu of flowers the family, in following Colonel Frazier’s wishes, request that donations be made to the USS Battleship Alabama or Wounded Warriors Foundation or Flags for Vets in Auburn, Ala. or The Trail of Honor in Jackson, Miss.