Roll Call Tribute

Billy Joe Frazelle, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) 

January 20, 1929 - April 10, 2023 

Billy Joe "Lefty" Frazelle, born January 20, 1929, passed on April 10, 2023. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great-grandfather graduated on to a heavenly reunion with his parents Joseph and Dixie Frazelle, brother Weldon Frazelle, family members and dear friends.

He is survived by Suedell, his wife of 68 years: sons William (Tina), Timothy and Donald; daughter Marie (Randy). Grandchildren: Hope (Brian), Stacy (Tim), Kristin (Adam), Joshua (Kindell), Nichole (Brandon), Bryan (Erica) and Godson Zach Nelson. Great Grandchildren: Rebecca, Ashlin, Riley, Alex, Isabelle, Dylan, Payton, Mason, Luke, Josephine, Avery, Kason, Lilly Nelson, and Sylvie Nelson. Great Great-Grandchildren: Micah and Olivia.

Billy Joe graduated high school at Mart, Texas. He attended and graduated Texas A & M University (Class of 1951) and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S.A.F.. After completing pilot training, his duty assignments included both single and multi-engine jet aircraft. Lefty served in Strategic Air Command as pilot for the B-52 and KC-135. He then served in Tactical Air Command, with assignment in Vietnam resulting in two combat tours piloting the B-57. He completed 253 missions in his career. Lefty received numerous U.S.A.F. medals and commendations including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross with one bronze oak leaf cluster, and the Air Medal with two silver oak leaf clusters and one bronze oak leaf cluster, and the Vietnam Service Medal, with four bronze service stars. Lefty's last duty assignment was DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB as Assistant Deputy Chief of Maintenance, 355TH Tactical Fighter Wing. He retired in 1978 after 27 years of military service.

In 1974, the family were members of Catalina UMC. Lefty was teacher for the Morford Bible Class, and served on several committees, AD Board member, and as Trustee. Suedell was a member of the Sanctuary Choir. All four children were married at Catalina UMC. In 2009, seeking a more Bible-based teaching, both Lefty and Suedell moved their membership to NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. They were both very active in GOLDEN SWARM SENIORS. Lefty also served as Church Elder.

Lefty's hobbies included woodworking, gardening and smoking turkeys and hams. As a father, he enjoyed being outdoors, camping and providing special BBQ for camp food. He enjoyed sharing his skills with family on hunting and fishing adventures.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:00am at NORTHMINSTER PREBYSTERIAN CHURCH. Reception to follow. Charitable Donations can be made to NPC (Memo-Missions) 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85719, or Desert Southwest Chapter Alzheimer's Association, 2990 N. Swan Road, #147, Tucson, AZ 85712.

The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to the staff on the 9th Floor at Banner University Hospital and Peppi's House Hospice.

"Lefty, you are cleared for takeoff! Godspeed!"