H.B. “Buddy” Frye, age 87, of Barling, Arkansas, passed away on May 11, 2026. Buddy was born on December 22, 1937, in Mena, Arkansas, to Herbert Bollinger Frye Sr. and Helen King Frye.

Buddy was raised in Mena, where his family owned and operated the Mena Feed & Egg Store until the early 1970s. After relocating to Fort Smith, he worked at Coburn Optical. Buddy proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve. During his service, he was activated in 1957 during the Little Rock desegregation under Governor Orval Faubus.

He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening, and was very skilled in making hunting knives. He was known as an excellent gardener and a talented cook who enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He was a member of Grand Avenue Baptist Church.

Buddy is survived by his three nieces: Cheryl Zeilender, Sally Mengwasser, and Melanie Kahn, along with several cousins, friends, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Helen Frye, and by his sisters, Judith Trowbridge and Carol Self.

A memorial service is to be announced at a later date; cremation is under the care of Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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