F. Earl Frith

F. Earl Frith, 80 of Floyd, died on Friday, January 2, 2015. He is preceded in death by his sons, Michael Earl Frith, Mark Alan Frith, and Eric Matthew Frith; brothers, Douglas K. Frith, Coy B. Frith, and J. Burness Frith; and his parents, Ada Nunn Frith & Jacob Ewell Frith.

Earl loved his country, his family, his farms, and had a special fondness for all of God’s critters. He was a devoted steward of the lands God entrusted to him, keeping the waters clean, the grass green, and letting the trees grow tall. His goal was to enhance and preserve the lives of all of God’s creatures.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1955, Earl had a short tenure in Northern Virginia managing a feed and seed store and then worked as a salesman for the Eli Lilly Company. Coming back to the Roanoke Valley, he established himself as a Realtor and President of Roanoke Land and Auction Company, Inc. around 1976. After 30 years, Earl retired to his much loved Little River Ranch to become a cowboy and a farmer. He also continued to buy and sell timber and trade land.

Earl was a kind and considerate man who often said if he couldn’t help you, he surely didn’t want to hurt you. His mind never stopped looking for new ideas and he was always determined to make something happen. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn W. Frith and her children, Preston Smith, Susanna Smith and sons, Ryan and Forrest Jacobs, Sarah Newcomb and daughters, Emma and Hattie; his daughter, Michele Frith and her children, Michael and Andrea Szabo.

A Committal Service will be held for friends and family at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2015 at the Frith Family Cemetery, Little River Ranch with Pastor Steve Johnson officiating. A Memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2015 at the Floyd United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 4 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Floyd County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 257, Floyd, VA 24091, The Women’s Resource Center Challenge Program, 240 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237, or to a charity of your choice.