Reverend Dr. Michael Wayne Frye

The Reverend Dr. Michael W. Frye, 76, of Waxhaw died peacefully in his home on Friday, March 15, 2024. 

Michael was born on May 27, 1947 in Kannapolis, NC to Martin Luther Frye and the late Mary Alice Frye (Klontz). He was the oldest of 5 children. He graduated from A. L. Brown High School in Kannapolis in 1965; Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory with a BA degree in History in 1969; Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbia, SC with an M. Div. degree in 1973; and Eastern Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA with a D. Min. degree in Marriage and Family in 1987.

Rev. Frye served as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Raleigh, NC for sixteen years. Prior to that, he served as pastor of Lutheran Chapel Church in Gastonia, NC; Christ Lutheran Church in Dallas, TX; pastor developer, then as pastor at Living Saviour Lutheran Church in Charlotte; and, as pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Salisbury where he began his ordained ministry in 1973. He was an active and valued member of the NC Lutheran community for 51 years; he served on the Board of Trustees of Lutheran Family Services of North Carolina; Board of Trustees of Lenoir-Rhyne University; the North Carolina Synod Council; the Consultation Committee of the NC Synod; and as elections chair of the NC Synod assembly for a number of years.

Michael was a loving husband to his wife of 54 years, Judy V. Sloop of Kannapolis and  a dedicated dad to their two adult daughters and their spouses, Elizabeth Frye (Georgios Tzanidakis) and Jenn Frye (Carolina Alzuru). He never missed the opportunity to say “I love you” and “we’re so proud of you two girls.” His integrity, kindness, love, and spontaneous, spot-on comedic timing are things his family will forever cherish. 

Michael is also survived by his father Martin Luther Frye of Kannapolis, and his siblings Gary Frye, David Frye, Karen Overcash, and Joe Frye. 

The family will receive friends from 2-3:30pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Living Saviour Lutheran Church in Charlotte. The funeral service will begin at 4:00pm in the church with Rev. Sara IIderton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Pastor Frye’s honor to Lutheran Theological Seminary https://www.lr.edu/give/make-gift. 

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