W. Michael Fraley, age 55, of Wellston, passed away Friday, February 17, 2012, at his home. He was born January 27, 1957 in Gallipolis, Ohio, the son of the late Walter Ray Fraley and Patricia Ann Shoemaker Fraley.
Mike was a 1974 graduate of Wellston High School. He was a Journeyman Pipe Fitter with Union Local 577 in Portsmouth. Mike was well known for his excellent skills in welding. He loved the outdoors and was a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club and the North American Fishing Club. He was a scroll worker who enjoyed detailed woodworking as well as home construction. Mike loved traveling to and being at the ocean. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Jackson.
Mike is survived by his wife of 36 years, Christine M. Hollingshead Fraley; two sons, Michael Shane Fraley (Crystal Mills) of Oak Hill and Brad Anthony Fraley of Jackson; four grandchildren, Braden Fraley, Brennan Fraley, Connor Fraley and Keira Fraley; two sisters and one brother, Pamela Sue Fraley Napper of Washington Court House, Jeffrey Allen Fraley of Newport News, Va. and Linda Gayle Fraley Proehl of Urbana; mother-in-law, Norma Hollingshead of Wellston, as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Grover and Norma Fraley and Tom and Bessie Shoemaker and his father-in-law, Richard Hollingshead, Sr.
At Mike’s request, his body was cremated. A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church, Huron Street in Jackson, with Pastor Robin Wargoski officiating. Following the service, the family will greet friends to reminisce about Mike’s life with pictures, videos and refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be given to the Michael Fraley Medical Care Fund at the PNC Bank in Jackson. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at: www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.