William Erskine Fraser

William Erskine Fraser, age 84, died of cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome on Wednesday August 22, 2007, after surviving cancer for 25 years. He was born on

January 1, 1923 as the first baby boy born at Emory University Hospital to the late Emily Jane Wimpy Fraser and attorney Young Harris Fraser. Mr. Fraser attended Mary Lynn Grammar School, Bass Junior High, and graduated from Boys High School in 1940. While growing up, he was a Boy Scout for many years and earned Eagle Scout honors. He then attended Georgia Tech for two years before he joined the Army Air Corps during WWII. Mr. Fraser shipped out of California, where he spent 19 days on a Troop Carrier before arriving in New Guinea. He was assigned to the 5th Air Force. As a Crew Chief on a C-47 plane, he flew allover the South Pacific from Australia to Japan, and to most islands in between. They dropped paratroopers in New Guinea and the Philippines, including in Corregidor. After the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, he was on the first U.S. plane to land in Japan, even before General MacArthur's arrival. Following the conclusion of WWII, Mr. Fraser returned to Georgia Tech where he graduated with a Civil Engineering degree. While in school, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and served as president for one year. Also during his tenure at Georgia Tech, he married Myrtle "Sunny" Vinson, a graduate of UGA, in 1948.

Following graduation, Mr. Fraser worked for the State Highway Department of Transportation and then R.F. Burton, a steel erection company, for ten years. He then founded the Erskine Fraser Company and worked throughout the Southeast erecting many commercial and industrial buildings and bridges. He was also on the Board of Directors of the National Erectors Association, a Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Atlanta Ironworkers Pension Fund for 26 years, a Registered Professional Engineer, and a Registered Land Surveyor. In addition, he built and owned Old Carriage House Restaurant in Underground Atlanta during Underground's heyday of the early 70's. Mr. Fraser was also very active outside of work. He served as president of the DeKalb County Grand Jury Association, president of the Fort Barrington Hunting and Fishing Club on the Altamaha River for 29 years, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, the American Legion, Elks Club, East Lake Country Club, and Snapfinger Woods Country Club. He also served as a referee for Georgia High School Association football for 15 years. He was an avid fan of all sports, especially the Masters, which he attended for over 40 years. One of Mr. Fraser's fondest pastimes was spending time with his friends and family on the lake. He enjoyed houseboating on Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, and eventually  settled with a second home on Lake Sinclair for 25 years, where he spent as much time as possible. Mr. Fraser will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a devoted friend-a gift to all. He enjoyed great fellowship with his many friends and family throughout his life. Mr. Fraser and his wife lived in DeKalb County for 52 years after their marriage until they moved to Newton County seven years ago where he was a member of Covington

United Methodist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and five grandchildren: William Erskine Fraser, Jr., of Lawrenceville, Georgia, father of Adam Daniel of Milledgeville, Georgia and Jennifer Fraser Henderson and husband Jonathon of Dahlonega, Georgia; Richard Vinson and Maureen Fraser, parents of Lauren Rose and Kristen Leigh, all of Lilburn, Georgia; David Stephen and Janet Fraser, parents of Mark Erskine, all of Berthoud, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, John and Jane Fraser Bradley, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 25th at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons, in Decatur, with Rev. John Whatley officiating. Pallbearers will be John Baston, Bob Blackwood, John Butler, Charles Elmore, Jim Hamilton, John Hurst, Jim Kelly, and Herb Waterhouse. Interment will follow at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2970 Clairmont Rd., Suite #840, Atlanta, GA 30329. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 24th at A. S. Turner & Sons. (404)292-1551