Levi Frazier

Levi Frazier, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2023, surrounded by family at his home in Canyon Lake. Levi will be remembered as a kind, strong-willed, and stoic man who touched the lives of many. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Born January 31, 1953 to Josephine Grady Frazier and Lee Frazier, Levi grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, with four older sisters. Levi graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School, a segregated school that later became one of the most prestigious in the state of Mississippi. Levi was a proud member of the marching band. He received a scholarship to Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and played euphonium in the marching band until 1973 when he enlisted for Active Duty in the Army during the final year of the Vietnam War.

While serving his country, Levi’s musical talents were showcased in the Army Band, first as a euphonium player and then as an electric bass player. Levi was undeniably the coolest member of the band, as confirmed by his family and friends, who often found him bobbing his head to the beat, perfecting a riff on his bass. His greatest pride came from serving as Drum Major for nearly every unit, including for the First Cavalry Division Band and the 5th Army Band.

The U.S. Army recognized Levi for his honorable service and awarded him the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, and National Defense Service Medal with Service Star, among other awards.

During his station at Yongsan Army post in Seoul, Korea, Levi met Inkee Kim, to whom he was married for eleven years, and they had two daughters, Miya and Romy. He retired at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, after twenty years of service. While at Ft. Sam, he fell in love with a young clarinet player and vocalist in the band, Linda Slater, with whom he shared a life together for the next three decades.

Levi enjoyed many career experiences following his military service and was known to be a true jack-of-all-trades. He was a master on the BBQ grill. He had an eye for capturing the beauty in everyday moments, always behind the camera. His artistic side translated to architectural drafting. His perseverance was evidenced as the driver of a big rig, traveling to all 48 states in the continental US. But above it all, Levi’s calling was being an exceptional father to his two daughters. Levi’s love for his family was unmatched; he valued every moment spent with them and cultivated relationships with extended family.

Levi retired to Canyon Lake, Texas with his wife and fellow musician, Linda, and their two dogs, Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong. One of his favorite places was out on the water, on his boat, where you would find him happiest with a fishing pole in one hand, and a beer in the other.

Levi’s legacy lives on through his wife of 27 years, Linda Frazier; daughters, Miya Pursley and Romy Frazier; granddaughter, Taliya Pursley; sisters, Eunice Norfort and Dorothy Batiste; sons-in-law, Terrell Pursley and John Fagerholm; past wife, Inkee Kim; cousin, Randy Frazier; nephews and nieces, Cheryl Simpson, Chris Gale, Wayne Gale, Joyce Gale, JC Gale, Linda Sanford, Tony Sanford, Cathy Sanford, Tim Sanford, Hakeem Shabazz, Lloyd Batiste, and Wendy Moody.

He is reunited in heaven with his parents Josephine Grady Frazier and Lee Frazier; sisters, Ella Mae Gale, Lucille Sanford, and Josephine Frazier, who died in infancy; niece, Anice Norfort; father-in-law, Jack Slater, mother-in-law, Sooja Kim, and many other beloved family and friends.

Memorial services will take place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Church service will begin at 11:30 AM at Stone Oak Church, 20024 Crescent Oak, San Antonio, Texas, with Viewing starting at 10:30 AM. A short reception at the church will follow. At 1:15 PM, the procession will travel to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery for the committal service. Military honors, including a 21-gun rifle salute and taps, will begin at 2:15 PM sharp. The memorial service will be followed by a Celebration of Life to honor Levi Frazier with live jazz music, food and drinks.