Olanta Garland (Frid) Fridley, 80, of 1112 Comanche Trail, Covington, Virginia, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 22, 2013, from his residence.

He was born December 24, 1932 in Alleghany County, a son of the late James and Elma Bess Fridley.

Mr. Fridley attended Boiling Spring School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and obtained the rank of a Master Sergeant and retired after over 21 years of service.

He was member of Grace Brethren Church.

Olanta was a loving and caring husband, father and pawpaw.

He was an amazing man, loved and respected by many. He will be greatly missed by his family, neighbors and friends. He was a big fan of NASCAR and his joys of life were camping, hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Lana Kay Epperson and an infant son, a sister, Frances Bowers, and a half sister, Gladys Bostic.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Dianne Gregory Fridley of Covington; four children, Michael Fridley and his wife, Debbie of Anacoco, LA; Jamie Carter and his wife, Tammy of Covington; Kelly Clark and her husband, Joel, of Appomattox and Michael Carter of Ellenburg, TN; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers, Sebert Fridley of Hamilton, OH and Marvin Fridley of Covington; two sisters, Lorean Tucker and Lorelee Wood, both of Covington, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, December 26, 2013 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Arritt Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at Grace Brethren Church with the Rev. Dan Gillette officiating.

The interment will be made in Lone Star Cemetery with graveside rites being conducted by the Curtis A. Smith Post #10 33, Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Active pallbearers will be Scott Fridley, Marcus Driggers, Roger Nephew, Martin Gregory, Jr., Morris Bowers, Glen Fridley. Jim Fridley and Joel Clark.