I am very sad to hear about Sammy Fragile's passing. He and Danny Ray were my neighbors in Raysal for many years.  My heart goes out to his daughters, Danny Ray, and of couse, Athena.

I was very saddened to hear about Sammy.  I lived a few houses down the road from Sammy and his family until my family and I moved to Bartley in 1951, and then to Florida in 1952 when I was 12.  After having lost contact for 50 or so years, Sammy and I talked a couple of times in the past few years.  He was kind enough to call me when my brother Jack died.  Jack, who was 8 years older than Sammy and I, stopped a fight between Sammy and me when the two of us were about 6 years old.  I don't think either of us landed a single punch.  I considered him one of my closest friends back then.  I know that he went on to become a UMW rep.  I became a union lawyer working in Atlanta and D.C.
I just returned from a short visit to McDowell County just to see the old places.  They are, as you know, quite different than they were in the 40's and 50's.
My sincere condolences to you and the family.
Patrick Scanlon
p.s.  My parents were John and Jean Hatfield Scanlon

I am truly sad to hear about Sam. He lived above my parents. I grew up knowing and talking to him many days. He was a good friend to my parents. I would love to hear from the person who wrote the message. It really made me sad to hear this.
Connie (Cox) Campbell