Vesta Phillip (Fritz) Friday, age 91, passed away on Wednesday evening, April 6, 2016 at the Pepper Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Aiken, South Carolina. Born in Corsicana, Texas on December 12, 1924, he was the son of the Vesta and Annie Friday. He graduated from Corsicana High School and attended the University of Texas at Arlington until military service beckoned. During World War II he served in the United States Navy aboard the US Hyperion in the south Pacific. He moved to Waxahachie, Texas in 1948 where he was manager of Ward Automotive for 42 years. In addition to being a decorated naval veteran, he was a member of the Ferris Heights United Methodist Church and Waxahachie Masonic Lodge #90. He subsequently attained the Scottish Rite 32nd degree in masonry. He was preceded in death by his wife Teresa, who died in 2001 after 55 years of marriage. He moved to Aiken in 2010 due to declining health and resided at Trinity on Laurens. He became a member of St Johns United Methodist Church. He is survived by one son, Gary and his wife Pat, two grand-daughters Beth Monaghan and Patti Hagen, five great-grandchildren, Whitney Monaghan, Morgan Belsky, Drew Kise, Kyle Monaghan and Chelsea Hagen. He also has three great-great grandchildren, Nicholas, Addalee and Gabriel. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 11, 2 pm at St Johns United Methodist Church, 104 Newberry Street NW, Aiken, SC 29801. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Johns Methodist or to the church of your choice. Inurnment at the Waxahachie City Cemetery will be held at a later date.