Early Years
Born in Ellerbe, Richmond County, August 1, 1932, to Walter A. and Pearl (Motley) Frye (both deceased).
Educational Background
Mineral Springs School; North Carolina A & T State University, 1953, B.S.; UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, 1959, J.D. with honors.
Professional Background
Chief Justice, N.C. Supreme Court, 1999-January 1, 2001; Associate Justice, N.C. Supreme Court, 1983-1999 (appointed, February, 1983 to replace J. Phil Carlton; elected, 1984); practicing attorney, 1959-1963, 1967-1983; former professor, N.C. Central University Law School, 1965-1967; Assistant U.S. Attorney, Middle District of North Carolina, 1963-1965.
Organizations
Greensboro Bar Association; N.C. Bar Association; American Bar Association; National Bar Association; Kappa Alpha PSI; American Judicature Society, Vice President, 1991-93, Board of Directors Chair, 1995-96.
Boards and Commissions
Board of Directors, N.C. Mutual Life Insurance Company, 1973-1983; Board of Directors, Greensboro National Bank, 1971-1983 (President, 1971-81).
Political Activities
Member, N.C. Senate, 1981-82; Member, N.C. House of Representatives, 1969-80.
Military Service
U.S. Air Force, 1953-1955 (Captain)
Honors and Awards
Alumni Excellence Award, North Carolina A&T State University, 1972; Doctor of Laws, Shaw University, 1971, N.C. A&T State University, 1983; Charles D. McIver Medal, UNC-Greensboro, 1986; Distinguished Alumnus Award, UNC-Chapel Hill, 1986; Lawyer of the Year, N.C. Association of Black Lawyers, 1988; Appellate Judges Award, N.C. Academy of Trial Lawyers, 1989; Brotherhood Award, National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1991; Greensboro Business Leaders Hall of Fame, Jr. Achievement of Central N.C., 1991.
Personal Information
Married, Edith Shirley Taylor, August 25, 1956. Children: Henry Eric and Harlan Elbert; Member, Providence Baptist Church, Greensboro; Deacon; former Sunday School Teacher.