Adolphus Drewry "A.D." Frazier Jr. passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024 in his home in Mineral Bluff, Georgia surrounded by his loving family. Born June 23, 1944 in Rocky Mount, NC, A.D. was the only child of Reverend Adolphus Drewry Frazier and Pauline Smith Frazier, a school teacher and principal. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a legendary businessman. He was deeply loved and his larger-than-life presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A.D. is preceded in death by his father, Reverend Adolphus Drewry Frazier; mother, Pauline Smith Frazier; and late wife, Clair Wofford Frazier.

A.D. is survived by his loving wife Sha Morgan Frazier of Mineral Bluff, son Jim Frazier (Nikki) of Chicago, daughter Carrie Frazier Andersen (Evan) of Atlanta and their mother Jeanne Reinhardt Frazier of Atlanta. He is also survived by his stepson Bobby Morgan (Farah) of Dallas and six grandchildren: Ezra Frazier, Vai Frazier, Ainsley Andersen, Genevieve Andersen, Grayson Morgan and Olive Morgan.

A.D. embraced every moment, diving into both personal and professional experiences with fearlessness, enthusiasm and God-given wisdom. He was a force of nature and a sweetheart all in one. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with friends in the north Georgia mountains, so much so he built a cabin for him and his buddies for such weekend getaways. A.D. was a gun enthusiast who enjoyed dove hunting and never lost the ability to hit a bullseye, even at age 80. He found great companionship in his beloved bloodhound Luther and his rag-doll cat Bud. They were his napping buddies, porch-rocking companions and loyal football-watching company during his love-hate relationship watching his Tarheels and Chicago Bears. He enjoyed being the captain of his ship. He loved to entertain and cruise Tampa Bay on his beloved Ocean Alexander and adventuring out onto Lake Blue Ridge in his pontoon boat with the grandchildren.

At age 76, with no knowledge or experience, A.D. bought a 45-foot Class A motorhome and set out cross-country with his wife, three dogs and cat; he quickly became an expert. His greatest joy was venturing up to his home state of North Carolina to visit his life-long friends from elementary school. His love for bluegrass led to the creation of Picking In the Park, a community gathering of musicians that continues today. He was a supportive force in the North Georgia community serving on the board of Fannin County Family Connection and contributing to Toys For Tots, Feed Fannin and Snack in a BackPack, programs all designed to support children. Having served in the Army, he held his fellow veterans in high esteem. All-in-all his most enjoyable pastime was simply sharing a drink with friends and enjoying their company.

His children, Jim and Carrie, cherish their memories of bluegrass and classical music echoed in the home; their father could be heard playing the upright bass along with his son Jim on guitar. When music wasn't permeating the home, it was often filled with Meet the Press or NPR. At any moment he would be equally ready to either tell a joke or correct the time on your watch, and his advice was second to none. He inspired his loved ones to pay attention to the world around them and to do the work. A.D. thrived hearing about Jim and Carrie's workdays and upcoming plans as he adjusted to retirement.

A.D. was a distinguished business executive who built a legendary career filled with success and amazing experiences. He graduated from Lumberton High School, then University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received his AB and JD. He served six years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and later graduated from Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

He joined Atlanta's C&S Bank, which later became Bank of America, building business, civic, political and personal connections throughout Georgia and the Southeast. In 1976 he joined the administration of U.S. President Jimmy Carter serving in the Office of Management and Budget. He managed the inauguration and headed the team reorganizing the White House and Executive Office.

He later moved to Chicago where he was Executive Vice President at First National Bank of Chicago.

From 1991 to 1996 A.D. was Chief Operating Officer for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG). In this critical leadership role, he managed the financial complexities of the 1996 Olympic Games and was awarded the Olympic Order in Gold, the only COO to receive the IOC's highest service award.

After the Games, he extended his decades-long career in financial services as president of Invesco in Atlanta, CEO of the Chicago Stock Exchange, then president of CVS Caremark, and CEO of Danka Business Systems. He served on corporate boards of Apache Corporation, R.J. Reynolds, Rock Tenn, Gold Kist, MHM Services, The State of Georgia Department of Corrections, and Fannin County Family Connections. He served of Counsel to the law firm of Balch & Bingham and was instrumental in co-founding the firms BOTH and Georgia Oak Partners. He was also co-owner of Wolf Creek Broadcasting which managed three radio stations in North Georgia.

His nonprofit service included presidential appointments to the National Council for the Humanities and the Tennessee Valley Authority. He was the first Chairman of Georgia Public Broadcasting and on the boards of the Atlanta Symphony, the Alliance Theatre, the Chicago Lyric Opera, the Evanston Hospital Corporation and a Trustee for Berry College. In 2010, he was chosen to chair the Special Council for Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians which conducted a review of the Georgia Tax Code. He was a longtime member of the Piedmont Driving Club, the Capital City Club and the Chicago Club.

One of the great Atlanta civic leaders of his generation, he was known by colleagues as the epitome of leadership. He quietly mentored people just by being himself. He was a man of integrity who lived a life of consequence and service to others. You could trust his handshake. His drive for excellence elevated everyone around him making a lifelong impact colleagues carry with them today. He valued everyone he worked with and considered them a friend. His numerous accomplishments throughout his career are a testament to his fearless approach to a challenge, his drive for excellence and unique leadership style. He leaves behind a legacy of purpose, inspiring those around him to live out their own. He lived by his own advice: "Accept the challenge, then go figure it out." As competitive as any Olympian, A.D. was one in a million.

A memorial service and celebration of life was Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1 p.m. at St. Luke's Anglican Church in Blue Ridge, GA, 7 Ewing Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. In keeping with A.D. 's love of gathering with family and friends for a drink, delicious food and music, the family hosted a life celebration across the street at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds immediately following the service.

In the midst of our grief, it is our heartfelt desire that you join us in remembering A.D.'s love for life. Let us come together to reflect on this force of nature that has impacted the lives of so many and raise a toast to his lasting legacy.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the following:

Snack in a BackPack: P.O. Box 2123, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or Donate Online Here.

Fannin County Family Connection: P.O. Box 2715, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or Donate Online Here.

Toys for Tots/Fannin County: P.O. Box 794 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or Donate Online Here.

St. Luke's Anglican Church: P.O. Box 1821, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or Donate Online Here.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of these arrangements.