Aaron Gus Davis Frye, Sr. departed life peacefully at Mary Washington Hospital with his children by his side on Friday, February 27, 2026, after enduring illness.

Aaron Sr. was born on July 29, 1932, in Caroline County, VA to the late Virgil and Ida Frye.

Growing up Aaron Sr. walked his younger siblings, Alberta and Raleigh to school. They would each have one hand in his pocket while Aaron carried their books and lunches packed in a brown paper bag. Before and after school, Aaron and his siblings had to ensure the livestock (horses, pigs, chickens, and cows) were fed. After school, he helped his father in the gardens. He took pride in his responsibilities whether big or small.

Aaron Sr. attended segregated schools in the Spotsylvania County Public School system. Upon graduation, he attended Virginia State University. After college, he worked as a Guard at Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. This led to his enlistment into the United States Army. After his safe return, he married his beloved wife, Bertha Mitchell, with whom they shared three children. He went on to work construction for many years in Maryland.

He attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Bowling Green, but later joined Shiloh Baptist Church New Site Fredericksburg where he was a faithful member for over 60 years. He proudly served with his wife and children assisting in cleaning and taking care of God's house. He also served in the Gospel Chorus, Men's Chorus, Chancellor Choir, and served as a Trustee for many years.

Aaron Sr.'s life was all about his family. He found joy in supporting his only son in all his sports activities as well as supporting each of his daughters as Pom-Pom girls for the James Monroe marching band. Aaron Sr. and his wife regularly attended Friday night football games and worked at the concession stands.

After Aaron's barber passed away, he would need to find another barber. Even though he would cut family members and friend's hair, he couldn't cut his own. So, he taught his daughter, Patrice, how to cut his hair. From that day forward, she learned and she cut it for 40 years until his death. He would call his hair "Molly Glossy" which was a type of oil for his grain of hair.

In 1993, he built his family a home in Spotsylvania where he worked at a local water plant for four years until his retirement at the age of 70. He enjoyed taking his father fishing. After his father passed, he later took his wife, children, and grandson fishing to share the joy. He taught his children and grandchildren to be thankful for the things they had. He shared many lessons and stories including the time he walked in the March for Civil Rights Movement. When his grandson was leaving the house, he would tell him to "Look upon yourself." That was a phrase he used to impart wisdom, responsibility, and self-awareness.

When his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, she picked up the name "Papa" given by his grandson, Devonté who lived with both grandparents and his mother from birth to graduation. This led his family to continue to call him "Papa." As Devonté got older and would leave home, Papa would say "Be Particular" and Devonté's response would be "Ok Old Buddy." They had a tight bond.

After his retirement, he could be found enjoying the recliner and watching his favorite westerns, especially when his son, GD or his sister, Alberta would come over to sit with him. On Sundays even during his illness, he would faithfully watch church service from his room.

"Papa" found joy in his grandsons (Jay, Darrian, and Devonté), great great nieces (Brooklyn and Sanai), and great great nephew (Asher). In the last two years, he enjoyed seeing his great great niece, Sanai daily whom he called "Angel."  His daughter, Mona was his caretaker and Angel was her assistant. She was a great help making sure he had his water and apple sauce. Each time he saw her, it was a joy for him. When she didn't visit, he would ask "Is Angel coming today?" even on the weekends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bertha M. Frye of 60 years; his parents, Virgil and Ida Frye; son-in-law, Rev. Leon Carlton Hudson Sr.; sisters, Virgil Jane, Martha Frye, Ella Frye, Lyllian Brinkey, and Eldora Harris; and brothers, Moses Frye and Raleigh Frye.

Aaron Sr. is survived by his three loving children; two daughters, Patrice Frye Hudson and Mona Frye; one son, Aaron Frye, Jr. (Denise); three grandsons, Aaron Frye III., Darrian Frye, and Devonté Frye; one sister, Alberta Frye; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Frye; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home, 200 Butternut Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408, on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 5:00PM to 7:00 PM. An additional viewing will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), 525 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM. The interment will follow at Mount Lawn Cemetery, 9316 Woodford Road, Woodford, VA, 22580.