Joseph Phillip Fraser, Retired Senior Chief Officer with the United States Navy, 80, of Memphis, Tennessee, beloved husband, father and grandfather, was called home to be with the Lord on March 22, 2025.

Joseph, or Joe as he was called, was born August 5, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to John Wesley and Josephine Smith Fraser.

Joe had a long career in the Navy starting when he joined at the age of 17, serving on three ships and five shore commands in his 24 years of active duty.

His first sea duty was on the USS Coral Sea, which was deployed to Vietnam in 1965 to provide air support in the war. Joe learned how a ship's supply department provided food and general supplies to keep a ship running. He was, also, trained in fire fighting and emergency repairs to the ship. He learned many things in his long Naval career, but said his first, and most important, lesson was, "DO NOT DROP THE BOMB!"

Joe flourished in his duties involving support and supply and continued to advance in rank and title, including reporting to the USS Paul Revere as a Chief Petty Officer. While assigned to the USS Takelma, not only did he head up the supply and food service offices, he took on duties as Junior Officer of the Deck and Command Duty Officer in-port. He eventually reached rank of Senior Chief Officer.

Early in his career he was stationed at a Reserve Center in Saginaw, Michigan, where he met the love of his life, and wife for over 50 years, Audrey. Though Joe never had children, he embraced Audrey's six children as his own, and took the responsibility of a father's roll of raising the youngest three.

In 1982, Joe was assigned to the Naval Reserve Readiness Command at Naval Air Station in Millington, Tennessee. He assumed duties of the Supply Department and 15 Reserve Centers throughout the Mid-South. His major responsibility was instruction of all Station Storekeepers, along with inspections of all centers within his command. He retired from the Navy in January, 1986.

When they arrived in Memphis (for his Millington duties), Joe and Audrey became active members of Messiah Lutheran Church. Joe served in many areas faithfully, including being Chairman of the Board of Church Properties, and continued this duty for the last 20+ years.

The most common phrases expressed to describe Joe are, "He loved his family and friends," "He was such a good man," "He had a servant's heart," and "He would do anything for anyone."

Joe was predeceased by his parents, John and Josephine Fraser; his wife, Audrey Fraser; his stepson, Edward Beyersdorf; his stepdaughter Susan Lloyd; his two brothers, John Fraser and James (Jimmy) Fraser; and a great-grandson, Samuel Beyersdorf.

He leaves four stepsons, John (Nancy) Beyersdorf of Saginaw, Michigan: James (Diana) Beyersdorf of Munford, Tennessee; Allen (Lisa) Beyersdorf of Bartlett, Tennessee; and Bruce (Michele) Beyersdorf of Atoka, Tennessee. He, Also, leaves 15 grandchildren, a host of great and great-great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe was not into "Pomp and Circumstance, " so, per his wishes, there will be a small service on April 3, 2025, at 9:00 A.M., at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN, where he will be interred with his wife. Messiah Lutheran Church will receive the family for a reception after the service, at 11:00 A.M. at 3743 Austin Peay Hwy.,Memphis, Tn 38128. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Wreaths Across America.