Sawyer Felton Frye
February 12, 1988 ~ March 19, 2025
Born in:
Moore County, North Carolina
Resided in:
Carthage, North Carolina
Sawyer left to be in the arms of the lord at age 37 on Wednesday, March 19th. Sawyer was the youngest child of Sammy and Sandra Frye. Sawyer was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Sam and Joan Frye, and maternal grandparents, Betty Coe and Ed Cheatham.
In addition to his parents, Sawyer will be greatly missed by his two sisters, Brody and Jourdan, along with their husbands, Courtney and Ryan and Sawyer’s nephews and nieces; London, Saylor, Yates, Bowen and Felton. He will also be missed by his step-grandfather, Larry Coe, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Sawyer was kind, hilarious, mild-mannered, handsome, athletic, and an extreme intellect. He graduated High School from Grace Christian and went on to earn a degree from Appalachian Bible College. Sawyer then immediately began using his God-given talents and poured them into his passion for arts through music and videography. His gifts, abilities, and love allowed him to achieve so much success in winning numerous national competitions through writing, singing, producing jingles and telling stories. Beyond his musical abilities, Sawyer was courageous and unashamed for his love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he was a bold witness to that love, and loved gathering and worshiping with fellow Christians. One of his greatest achievements was his ability to leave a smile and lasting loving impression on the face of every stranger he met.
Equally a part of this beautiful soul, was a relentless mental illness that found and consumed Sawyer’s mind in his late 20’s. This terrible disease filled his imaginative mind with self doubt and an endless battle that eventually aided in his, too soon, departure from this world. Sawyers’ spiritual journey and quest was to help reach any person he could and introduce them to the love of his Saviour. At times, this illness sent him on perilous journeys with seemingly no end. These journeys were not a happy or healthy place for Sawyer, but nevertheless, his family’s love and support were constant and unconditional. Through this all he remained a loving and quirky friend who would give you his last dollar. Sawyer wanted nothing more than life’s most simple pleasures, other than his mild shoe obsession, and moms fresh morning waffles. Sawyer judged no one, trusted everyone, and could find good in people in the most profound way.
Sawyer, you changed so many of us in so many ways. Our tears are not for your death, dear Sawyer, but for your life. Regardless of the diagnosis, manic episodes, ups and downs, your family and friends never wavered in their love for who you were. Your true soul and love for everyone around you was never questioned and remained a constant force until the day you left us.
If you knew Sawyer at any point in his life, the family would be very grateful if you would share a story or comment on Sawyer’s memorial page at www.PinesFunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate any memorials made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org or any other fight helping the ending of this tragic and helpless disease.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 3pm at Yates-Thagard Baptist Church with Pastor Steven Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 2pm until the service time. Final resting will take place at Yates-Thagard Baptist Church cemetery
The care of Sawyer has been entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.
Services
Visitation: March 23, 2025 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Yates-Thagard Baptist Church
3820 Vass-Carthage Road
Carthage , NC 28327
910-949-3511
https://www.yatesthagard.com/
Funeral Service: March 23, 2025 3:00 pm
Yates-Thagard Baptist Church
3820 Vass-Carthage Road
Carthage , NC 28327
910-949-3511
https://www.yatesthagard.com/
We loved Sawyer. It was always a joy to be with him. His heart was full of beautiful music! He is with Jesus, but we grieve the loss on earth.
Sandra, Sammy and family: I am so sorry for your loss of Sawyer. I can remember when he was born. Such a handsome young man. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all🙏
I am so saddened at the news of losing your precious son. I know the pain you and your wife are feeling; never is a parent ready to lose a child. Lean on your faith and trust me, in the days to come, you will definitely need our Lord.
During my loss, I received so many condolences with wonderful encouragement. I want to share one with you. Our paths cross with others for a reason, a season, or if we are blessed….for a lifetime.
May all your memories bring you great comfort.
Friend from DSS.
Sammy and Family,
So incredibly sorry to hear this news, Sawyers’s was a wonderful soul and a good friend to me growing up. We played rec ball together at Sandhills Farm Life. This was a shock to the community and please know we are lifting you all up in prayer.
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
You will forever be missed Koopa! I’ll Always cherish the time where we will just all jump onto YouNow and just stream away! Or whenever you released new music and you would stream with JustBob and all of OG YouNow streamers. Let’s not forget then time you won the Folgers Coffee contest !! Koopa, you’ll always be missed. A bright star! A loving one.
Sawyer was one of my closest friends and I just find it hard to believe that he’s gone 💔. I hope that he has eternal peace and serenity now and isn’t suffering.
We were sadden to hear of Sawyers passing. We are lifting you all up in prayer for God to comfort you.
Prayers and sympathy to the family. God be with you.
A beautiful Soul gone too soon. 💔
My heart aches knowing my deep friend and brother has left his body this soon. Every phone call over the last few years was fueled with a deep passion and love for Jesus. He is face to face with him, cured of this curse we all face and one day we will behold one another in new bodies. I pray and continue to pray for Sandra and Sammy and the rest of the family. God has granted relief to your son and brother. God bless you all!
I attended ABC with Sawyer and his joy and love for life was a bright light at our school during that time! He and I also shared some awesome jam sessions together.
So sorry for your loss and we will keep y’all in our prayers.
I was literally blown away by this handsome young man. He was so kind, so gracious, so eager to learn and be the best server he could be. My coworker and I would constantly comment on how impressed we were with Sawyers work ethic and beautiful spirit. I will never forget how excited and proud he was when his beautiful sisters would come in. He was a pure delight and joy to work with.
Years later, Sawyer was working on a film project and asked if I would mind volunteering. I was happy to help and even though my stage fright and overacting lead to the footage being cut from the project 🤣 I will never forget how kind, encouraging and gentle Sawyer was.
I am so heartbroken for this incredible family. Sometimes Gods plan doesn’t make sense in the present moment. My heart, prayers,Love and support to all of those affected by this tragedy.
Eddie and I are so sad to here about Sawyer. Our prayers are for the whole family, that GOD will bring comfort to your hearts. Cherish the memories.
Sincere sympathy,
Eddie and Vetres Livengood
I will remember him as someone with the character traits of kindness, charisma and charm. He was so outgoing and found the good in everyone, even as a middle schooler, high schooler.
So many good memories from middle school and high school have him as the star of the show, both on camera and off. I, (as well as many of my classmates), was the reluctant actress in some of his movies.
So sorry for the lost of Sawyer. Prayers for his family.
Sammy,Sandra,Jourdan,and Brody I’m so sorry my prayers are with you all❤️
Our hearts are broken with yours. He was such a kind, mannerly and smiling young man. We will all surely miss him but are so thankful we will meet again in our Heavenly Home. We love you all!
Jody and Melva Phillips
It has been at least a decade, but I had the joy of meeting and seeing Sawyer pretty regularly when I lived in NC and became good friends with Jourdan. I will forever remember his infectious smile, his love for his family and his deep faith in The Lord! May God continue to surround your family during this time ❤️🙏
Don and I went to get a few items at Fresh Market a few years back and the next thing I know Sawyer put his arm around my shoulder and said, “lemme show you around this place!”. He was wearing an apron that fancied his name tag! He was always carrying on something that would make you laugh.
We all go through our own brokeness as we travel these rocky roads but it takes brokenness to allow light to get in.
Rest now sweet Sawyer. …..your battle is over………and when your battle is over, you shall wear a crown. 🙌🏻
Sawyer was one of my first students in 1999. I remember his sense of humor and his friendliness. Wherever he went, he was smiling.
My heart aches for the family, but I know Sawyer is at peace.
I went to Grace with Sawyer for a few years. He was always kind and funny. Anytime we ran into each other he would always stop to talk, smiling and saying how blessed he was. The last time we ran into each other was a few months ago and it was like we had talked the day before.
My prayers go out to the family!
My prayers are with all of your beautiful family. I pray you feel the prayers and love from all of your friends. Much love and respect
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to your family. Roanoke VA
I am heartbroken about the loss of this talented fine young man. I knew him from the time he spent at the Trinity Institute in Tehuacana, Texas. Everyone loved being with him and his music made all of our hearts joyful and glad. I am grateful to know where he is, and that is healed and at peace in the presence of his heavenly father.
I am so sorry to hear this and will be praying for all of you through this time! I know God is with you and you have the hope of a glad reunion day! Please know Karen and I will keep you in our prayers!
Sawyer spent time off and on at our Christian study center in Tehuacana, Texas a few years ago. He was a delight to be around. I always looked forward to spending time with him. I wept when I read of his passing. My heart goes out to his loving family. I plan to keep in touch with his loving parents. God’s richest blessings on his family.
Scott and Fran Morton
Grace Gospel Church, Parkersburg, WV
I am terribly sorry to hear of the loss of Sawyer. I remember him as a team mate on my basketball at Farmlife elementary, Sammy was one of the coaches. I pray that you all find peace during this difficult time.
Sammy, Sandra, and family, my heart aches with you. May God comfort you through this endless journey called grieving. Stay strong!
My sincerest condolences for your great loss. Blessings to your family.🙏
Marianne Kernan
Our deepest sympathies to you Sammy and Sandra and your family. Our prayer is for His grace and peace through this difficult time.
I mourn with you, your family, and Sawyer’s friends in your loss.
I pray God gives each of us His comfort and peace through Sawyer’s passing.
We don’t understand why, we just trust God in all He does.
Love and blessings in Jesus Christ.
I am so Sorry for Your Loss. My Deepest Condolences. 🙏🤗🙏
Prayers for Sammy, Sandra Frye, family and friends. Kenny and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know you’re in our continued prayers🙏. You know we love you all and Sawyer is finally whole. No more tears or sadness for him. He is with our Heavenly Father and you all will be reunited with him. One Glorified day..
Psalms:91-4 He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings. You will find refuge.
We love you both so very much. Kenny and Dawn Black Page.
Jesse sends prayers as he is living in Florida with Wyatt his son. He did say Tell Sammy Thank you for being so good to him when he was growing up. Bible school, etc. Sandra I will be in touch and yes we will get together.
Tight hugs my Sister. Dawn
I had the opportunity to work with Sawyer at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters. He used his talents for God’s glory. I am thankful for our time doing ministry together. May his family and friends find peace and comfort in Jesus during this difficult time.
I remember Sawyer well from Appalachian Bible College. Sawyer was funny, kind, creative, and a deep thinker. He always smiled and was such a light. His love for Jesus was very evident. He was always making up songs about anything and everything, and was very talented. We went to the same church during college and I remember helping with the AWANA ministry together there. I am so sorry for your loss. He is in a much better place and is at peace.
I lost touch with Sawyer over the years, but I have many good memories with him in the camping program and working together on campus at Appalachian Bible College. I was sorry to hear of his struggles and passing. May God comfort his family and bring peace that he is free from these struggles.
It was always a pleasure to have Sawyer in our home, as a friend to Brett, when they were young. He was very mannerly and loving to all. and a source of joy. We will see him one day in glory!
This breaks my soul. I cannot even begin to explain my friendship with Sawyer and what he meant to me. I first met him in 2008 at an outdoor wilderness camp we worked at and we took off from there! So many memories. White water rafting guides together, being in skits and working side by side is where we really started becoming closer. Fast forward a few years we entered in to a Folgers competition for their music jingle and won it! During that time I owned a landscaping business and he worked with me every day so we grew even closer. Fast forward again until now… We would talk at least once a week and sometimes more and he would always ask me about what new music I had for him and I always was ready to give him a new playlist! We would talk about God, a lot, our struggles, fears, growing and learning, how to be better men, mastering our minds, music, starting a band, and sooo much more…..
Sawyer, I cannot believe you are gone. I will miss you deeply and miss our conversations about literally everything. I am so excited though that you are with our Lord and are at peace. I love you my friend, and always will!
Sawyer’s family:
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I loved your son like a brother and considered him a great man. I did not hear about this until just now, Sunday evening. I would have absolutely been there today if I knew and I am sorry for that. I am praying for you all and if you need absolutely anything please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Sammy & Sandra words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your devastating loss of Sawyer. When Sawyer wrote a jingle for Folgers, I voted for him and was impressed with his talents. I actually won a year of free coffee when he won the contest! He was so kind when I reached out to thank him as he thanked me for voting for him. Very talented man! We pray for your family now and thankful he’s with his Savior. Sorry we didn’t learn of the arrangements in time to attend today. Love & prayers.
I loved Sawyer like a brother! He always talked about the Lord and challenged me to be a better Christian. We shared similar challenges and understood each other like no other!! I’m so grateful the physical fight is over. Can’t wait to give you a heavenly hug lil brother❤️
I was one of the many people who watched Sawyer or I known him as Koopa Fields on YouNow many years ago. He was a talented, amazing, and awesome person! I would always have fun watching his broadcasts! People loved him there and he loved them right back! He touched so many lives. He was always happy, smiling, and full of love! I am grateful to witness that first hand through watching him!
I am saddened by his passing. I am praying for his family and friends who knew and loved him. I pray that God will give you comfort during this time.
My heart breaks for all of you as you deal with the loss of Sawyer. May you find peace in knowing how many lives he touched in such beautiful ways, including mine as I came to know Sawyer through the words shared here. I pray God’s love, and the love of family and friends, will give you the strength you need to navigate this profound loss of your precious son and brother.
we were actually supposed to be each others first roommates in college but it didn’t work out we ended up being good friends in college anyway, drifted apart for a few years after but in the last several years we reconnected and had an even closer friendship than in college. We’d talk once a month or once every other month, some times during certain seasons several times in a week. We talked about God and music and many other things and the hopes he had for a family and what new projects he hoped to work on. I think the connection was due to the fact that in some small way I understood part of what he was struggling with. He called especially during the times when his creative mind was racing faster than he could communicate and he was there for me many times when mine was doing the same. There’s a subconscious feeling of safety and understanding. I will forever be grateful for the love and support you provided me and I hope that I did the same for you. I’ll see you again my brother and we’re gonna have a jam session and sit around a fire and talk theology in the new heaven and new earth.
I knew Sawyer from working together at a summer camp. We are both musicians, so after the summer we connected and I worked on a few musical ideas together. I was always amazed at his talent and how earnest he was in his craft.
RIP Sawyer
We were saddened to hear of Sawyer’s passing last week. Libbie and I are praying for your family. Though we cannot understand His ways and why He allows certain things to happen, we know firsthand that God’s grace is sufficient. Love and prayers! Joel & Libbie Murr
Sammy, Sandra, Brody and Jourdan, my first rememberance of Sawyer was when he was about four years old singing with Sammy in the old church. A song about Daddy. The years passed and I always enjoyed seeing him in church. A kind and gentle soul, he helped me put in a furnace filter—I had no idea how to do it—all while being watched by a very disagreeable tenant. I whispered to Sawyer “Don’t leave me,” and he didn’t. His next good help came when he and Tyler painted my living room. I fed them breakfast one morning before they started painting. The last time I really saw Sawyer was when he came into the library at church. The home going service was such a testament of his family’s love for him, his love for his family and friends, and His love for Christ. He was special and I cannot imagine the pain of losing your boy and we sorrow with you. Knowing he is with Jesus and we’ll see him again makes the loss bearable. I love you.
So sorry for
Sammy and Sandra, our hearts go out to you, and our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We, too, have lost a son, and know how hard this is. Yet I know you have firm faith in God’s sovereignty, and His promise to work all things for good for His children. May He bear you up on Eagle’s wings as you lament and treasure your memories of Sawyer.
Our hearts are so broken for you over the loss of your precious son. Though we did not know Sawyer personally, we know he was a very special man who loved God with all of his heart just by what so many people are saying. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Trust in the Lord and let Him comfort you. May He give you peace that passeth all understanding!