Former Millen Mayor Robert Fries Sr. dies

Robert Wesley Fries, Sr., age 88, of Millen died at home on Thursday, June 26, 2008.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Minnie Lee Johnson Fries, and his grandson, Drew Fries.

Survivors include his children, Margaret (Ed) Parker, Janice Pennington, Patricia (Joe) Hilliard, Charlotte (Tom Larsen) Fries and Bobby (Sali) Fries; grandchildren include Marisa (Eric) Swierski, Sid (Lisa) Parker, Wes (Cindy) Pennington, Jeff Pennington, and Jana (Thomas) Lee and Paige (Tommy) Williams; greatgrandchildren include Haleigh and Erica Swierski, Alden and Rowen Parker, Meg and Allie Pennington, Lydia Pennington, Brandon and Jacob Lee and Mason and Karli Williams; a special niece, Vicki (Reid) Elam; his sister, Mary (Hugh) Gregory; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of the Millen Baptist Church where he served as deacon and Sunday School teacher in years past.

He was the mayor of Millen, Ga., for 18 years, from 1968 to 1986. Prior to that, he served a two-year term as city councilman.

Things accomplished while he was mayor include: the building of the new city hall, the overpass bridge on Barney Avenue, city canal improvements, year-round recreation program, and sewer and water system expansion in the Foggy Fields neighborhood.

Beginning with his first term as mayor, all city council meetings were open to the public. He and the city council maintained an orderly growth pattern and left the city in very sound financial condition. He took pride in the fact that he never missed a city council meeting. He also had perfect attendance records for meetings of the CSRA Planning and Development Commission, Georgia Municipal Association and Rotary Club.

He served as Chairman of the CSRA Planning and Development Commission, 1983; Vice- Chairman, 1982; President, First District Georgia Municipal Association in 1975, 1985; Vice-President of same, 1984.

Other honors and affiliations include President of the Rotary Club, 1965-66; Rotarian of the Year, 1971; Master Mason, Masonic Lodge; and VFW.

He believed being elected mayor of one's hometown was the greatest honor that could be bestowed on a person. He was never happy anywhere but Millen. He only left it to serve his country during World War II.

He called Millen, "the fiveminute town." He said that from his residence, he could be at work, on a golf course, in a deer stand, or on a pond fishing in five minutes.

He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1947. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Cincinnati, a cruiser.

He started a meat processing business in 1947, later called Fries Frozen Foods. The business continues today, now run by his son, Bobby. He was still going to work every day until 3 months ago.

He enjoyed most sports, but especially hunting and fishing. But, most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

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

Pallbearers were Reid Elam, Wes Pennington, Jeff Pennington, Tommy Williams, Eric Swierski, and Sid Parker.

Memorials may be made to United Hospice, 667 S. Main St., Swainsboro, GA 30401 or the charity of your choice.

Visitation was Friday, June 27, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Crowe-Fields Funeral Home.