William "Bill" Claudius Fraley, 81, of Chapin, South Carolina, passed into the arms of Jesus on January 30, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at his home. He took his last breath holding the hand of his beloved wife, Carolyn, just a day shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Bill was born August 16, 1942 as an only child to David and Geraldine Fraley in Columbia, SC. He was brought up in a loving family full of aunts, uncles, and grandparents that raised him to be a child of God. He was a cradle Episcopalian and was baptized and confirmed at St. Timothy's in Columbia where he attended most of his life. St. Timothy's was an important part of Fraley's lifestyle as he served as acolyte and crucifer in his younger years and grew to be a member of the Vestry serving as Junior and Senior Warden.

As a youngster he was an avid boy scout and he loved attending Camp Kanuga, an Episcopal Church Camp. It later became his summer home as he served as wait staff sharing his love of the woods, companionship, and God. Racing has always been a passion for Bill as well. He worked with his father to build a drag racer that he raced in Pelion. After the death of his father, Mrs. Garaldine and Bill would race down the streets of Eau Claire remembering the man they both loved. When Columbia Speed way came to town, it only fired his passion. He would visit the speedway for many years and continue to share the love him and his father had of racing with his family. Even though racing was important, it wasn't his only passion. He always has loved boating. He served in the Coast Guard Auxilary from 1969 – 1976. He was a Commander at one time and loved to go out on his 16 foot "Yacht".

Upon graduation from Eau Claire High School in 1962 he went on to work at Pardee's Refrigeration Serves where he learned the skills he needed for commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. He had a beloved friend and silent partner named John Gentry that fueled Bill's desired and helped Bill realize the potential he had to start a business. In 1966 he opened the doors of Fraley's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Services that later became Fraley and Quattlebaum. During his time in the HAVC industry he taught a class at Midlands Tech to help inspire more people to become service techs just as John had inspired him. In 2003 Bill retired from full time work but still being known as the "Ice Man" he continued to work locally for businesses, churches, and friends for many years.

During his retirement years Bill was able to continue sharing his love for camping and traveling. Him and Carolyn traveled far and wide as a part of the Carolina Cursers and Palmetto Ramblers camping clubs. They shared this love with many of their family members. One of Bill's favorite sayings was he was a part of the Lofers. "Lofers – start slow and tapper off"

Bill is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn; daughters, Janet Hope of Columbia, SC, and Leigh Ann (Patrick) Whitticar of Chapin, SC; grandchildren Nicole (Aaron) Frick of Little Mountain, SC and Katherine Hope of Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren William "Wil" Frick and Sadie Grace Frick. He is also survived by special family members Eddie (Becky) LaBoone, Christy Whitmire, James (Lorna) Reagan, Geri Watson, Debbie (Howard) Avins, Charles (Chris) Reagan, and John (Laurie) Reagan.

A celebration of life will be held at The Ole Oak Barn in Little Mountain, SC on Sunday February 4, 2024 at 2pm with a visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorials donations be made to Chapin American Legion Post 193, Little Mountain Fire and Rescue, or Fidelis Family Retreat. Please see below for addresses.

The family extends special thanks to MSA Home Health and Hospice and the special caregivers Catherine, Brandy, and Brenda. Your love, guidance, and faith made a huge impact in his final days.

Chapin American Legion Post 193: PO Box 897 Chapin, SC 29036

Little Mountain Fire and Rescue: 219 North Boundary Street Little Mountain, SC 29075

Fidelis Family Retreat: 143 Stoney Pointe Drive Chapin, SC 29036