Robert W. Fries Sr., former Millen mayor, died June 26

Robert Wesley Fries Sr.

Robert Wesley Fries Sr., 88, former mayor of the city of Millen, died Thursday, June 26, at his Millen residence.

Mr. Fries served as mayor from 1968-1986, following a two-year term as a city councilman. Projects and accomplishments by the city during his tenure as Mayor included: construction of new city hall, over-pass bridge on Barney Avenue, city canal improvements, year-round recreation program and sewer and water system expansion in the Foggy Fields neighborhood. Mr. Fries was a former member of the C.S.R.A. Planning and Development Commission, Georgia Municipal Association and the Millen Rotary Club. He served as chairman of the CSRA Planning and Development Commission in 1983 and vice-chairman, 1982. He was president of the First District Georgia Municipal Association in 1975 and 1985 and vice-president in 1984. He served as president of the Millen Rotary Club 1965-1966 and was Rotarian of the Year, 1971. He was a master mason of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the VFW. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving from 1944-1947 onboard the U.S.S. Cincinnati, a cruiser.

In 1947, Mr. Fries opened a meat processing business that later became known as Fries Frozen Foods. The business remains in operation today. He was a member of Millen Baptist Church where he was a former deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the Millen Baptist Church.