BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

A former high school standout athlete died on Tuesday, following a long illness. He was 59 years old.

According to his son, Anddrikk Frazier, Andrew Frazier, Jr., died on Tuesday, amid family members. He began having health issues in 2001. Frazier was diagnosed with A.L.S., (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2009.

“He really had it rough during the last years and I want to thank the Florida Chapter of ALS for their help. ALS is a disease that is pretty common among former athletes,” Anddrikk Frazier said.

Raised in Tampa, Frazier was the son of Mrs. Bertha Frazier and the late Andrew Frazier, Sr. He married Mrs. Sharon Frazier 37 years ago, and to that union, three children, Anddrikk, Sharvettye, and Alleo, were born.

Frazier attended the public schools of Hillsborough County. He began playing basketball for the Middleton High School Tigers his junior year.

Frazier distinguished himself as a starting point guard on the team. Following graduation in 1971, Frazier enrolled at Southern University, where he earned his B. A. degree in Business Administration.

He returned to Tampa and entered the workforce. Prior to becoming a Parole Officer with the State of Florida, Frazier worked as a teacher and coach at Tampa Bay Technical High School, his son said.

He retired from his position with the state as his illness progressed in 2006. For as long as his health allowed, Frazier volunteered with the West Coast Football League’s Brandon Steelers and with the County’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“He was unbelievable as a husband and father. When we were growing up, we played sports and he made every effort to attend our games, even if they were on the same night in different places. I can count the games on one hand that he missed.”

Frazier’s children played basketball while in school.

Funeral services for Frazier will take place on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m., at Shiloh Restoration Tabernacle, where he was a member. Aikens Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.