Robert Frasier Obituary

Robert E. Frasier CHARLESTON - Mr. Robert E. Frasier, 74, of North Charleston, entered eternal rest on December 28, 2023. Robert E. "Gruber" Frasier was born May 27, 1949 in Charleston, son of the late Estelle Gruber Frasier and Ernest William Frasier, Sr. He was accompanied by his beloved twin sister, Roberta, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond throughout his life. He and Roberta were one of two sets of twins born into the Frasier family. Miss Estelle, Robert's mother, was the strong figure and faithful guide in Robert's upbringing. His desire to help her take care of family and home was at the heart of his work ethic. In his teen years, Robert's family home was located on Ogier Street adjacent to Stuhr Funeral Home. Not yet old enough to have a driver's license, his energy and motivation led him to assist the Stuhr Family with cleaning vehicles and other tasks needed to prepare the funeral fleet for the day's services. W. Sandy Stuhr, future CEO of his family's multigenerational business, could see the strength of character and dedication Robert possessed. A life-long friendship was formed which continued over generations of their respective families and throughout the growth of J. Henry Stuhr, Inc./Stuhr Funeral Home, in which Robert's contributions played an integral part. Robert began a career at Stuhr Funeral Home as a cemeterian and grave technician on July 10, 1966 which spanned over 55 years. He learned quickly the thought process, planning, and physical work which went into the opening and closing of graves and completion of burials. A job which to an outsider may seem straightforward; burying the deceased in the grounds of the lowcountry can be a daunting task within a landscape of old sprawling oak trees and areas which are essentially below sea level. Robert had wisdom and an ability to size up people, places, and things- and focus on his job accordingly. His attention to detail and physical stamina were unmatched. When asked if Robert Frasier could do a certain job, a co-worker's response was, "If Robert can't do it then it probably shouldn't be done." With his endurance and humanity, Robert "Gruber" Frasier stood watch over the process of thousands of Charlestonians being committed to the grounds of their final resting places. His faith, humility, and pride in his work were unwavering. With his quiet confidence, he was a resource to his co-workers, local cemeteries, and various religious communities for his expertise and institutional knowledge. Throughout his lifetime, Robert took care of the sacred grounds of many gravesites in the greater Charleston area, including Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens and Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Cemetery. Robert took great pride in maintaining The Friendly Charitable Association Cemetery, where his family's burial plots are located. Robert's family's roots in service to community ran deep. He was the great- great grandson of Henry Benjamin Noisette, a Civil War Veteran and a founder of The Friendly Charitable Organization, a burial society that bought the land for the cemetery in 1878. It is most fitting he will be laid to rest alongside his family there this Saturday afternoon. Outside of work, you wouldn't find Robert travelling, not even to see his beloved Dallas Cowboys play. He had great love and pride for his family. He didn't care for snakes, nor have patience for idleness, or a lack of integrity. He had an unassuming way of seeing a need and bringing people together to fill that need. He was selfless, honest, and kind. Although in stature he was "much of a man" and his assertive tone could sometimes intimidate, his giving heart was always there in all that he did. Our community has lost a strong, beloved soul who quietly helped so many others through his work, his love of family, and his friendships. Our world today could use more men like Robert Frasier. He leaves behind his children: Ruthie Seabrook and Robert E. Frasier, Jr.; grandchildren: Irvin Seabrook, Isaiah Seabrook, Ieasha Seabrook, Ivan Seabrook, X'Zavion R. Parson, and Raegan Frasier; sister, Roberta M. Frasier; close loved ones: Patrice Kinloch, Anton "Nezzy" Kinloch, and Breanna Patterson; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest William Frasier, Sr. and Estelle Gruber- Frasier; and siblings: Ernest W. Frasier, Jr., Estelle L. Bethea, Tyrone F. Frasier, and Larone F. Frasier. Visitation Friday, January 5, 2024, Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, 2119 Dorchester Road - North Charleston, SC 29405 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Family Hour Visitation 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Celebration of Life Service Saturday, January 6, 2024 1:00 PM Mt. Zion AME Church 5 Glebe St. - Charleston, SC Interment: Friendly Charitable Association Cemetery Charleston, SC The Service will be LIVE-STREAMED via the Smith-McNeal Funeral Home FACEBOOK PAGE. Condolences and flowers may be sent to the family at www.smithmcnealfuneralhome.com. Arrangements made by Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, Inc. 2119 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29405.