Tony Ray Frick

Tony Ray Frick, 71, of Mount Ulla, NC, peacefully passed away at his home after a long battle with cancer, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, while surrounded by his family.

Born in Albemarle, NC on January 13, 1953, he was the son of the late Ray and Olee Earnhardt Frick of Old Fort, NC.

Tony graduated from Old Fort High School in 1971 and McDowell Tech in 1973 with a degree in Hospital Plant Maintenance and Engineering. In 1976, he received his Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute as well as his intermediate and advanced law enforcement training.

He began his career in the hospital maintenance department at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir, NC. He then taught at West Caldwell High School and served as the girls’ softball coach. After teaching, Tony joined the Reserves Division of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department in 1976, where he earned a Sergeant position and later a Lieutenant position. He served in the Special Enforcement Division with the US Forest Service.

Tony later started up his own plumbing business (Caldwell Plumbing). He worked as a building inspector for many municipal departments, including Lenoir, Shelby, and Catawba County. Before retirement, his last career was working at Hickory Plumbing and Heating. During his career as a plumber, he served as the President of the State Plumbers Association and the State Heating Inspectors Association.

Tony was very active in Boy Scout Troop 254 in Lenoir. He was a Scout Leader, Assistant Scout Master, and Scout Master. He obtained many awards and recognitions for his service to the scouts such as Silver Beaver Award and International Scouting Award. One of his many achievements was taking his troop to Germany for the world Camporee.

Tony is survived by his wife, Melissa Plyler of the home; daughter, Leigh Anne Frye (Brian Oliver); son, Kenny Frick (Teresa); daughter, Stephanie Harrison (Joshua); son, James Church (Bonnie); grandchildren, Gwyneth Frye, Levi Frick, Emberly Frick, Aden Edwards, Ayla Edwards, Arik Edwards, Akin Harrison, Amri Harrison, Emily Church, and Troy Church; sister, Dotty F. Kirksey (Jimmy); sister-in-law, Joyce Neale (David Byars), Susie Weaver (Alan Iske), and Patsy Moore (Carl); brother-in-law, Rick Plyler (Delores); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and his beloved Yorkies, Sissy and Buddy.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his brother, Terry N. Frick of Robersonville, NC.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Centenary Global Methodist Church in Mt. Ulla. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4 p.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centenary Methodist Church, 620 Centenary Church Road, Mt. Ulla, NC 28125 or to Via Health Partners, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.

The family would like to personally thank Novant Health Cancer Center Huntersville and Mooresville, especially Dr. Tazi and staff, as well as everyone at Via Health Partners for their excellent care. You are appreciated much more than you will ever know.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.