Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Richard attendedDavidLipscombCollege inNashville, Tennessee, for two years; then he transferred to Ohio State University in Columbus. Marcia moved there following her graduation, so long distance dating ended. They were married in 1964. Richard continued his studies, graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry. They became parents to three children, Aimee, Douglas and Keith. The family vacations centered on camping and enjoying nature. Aimee and Keith live in Texas, and there are now four grandchildren to love. Sadly, their oldest son, Douglas, passed away at age 55 during COVID in 2020. Richard started his career in Barberton, Ohio, for PPG Industries. His career led him to several jobs as a formulation chemist in Ohio, Texas, Illinois, and California. He worked with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and has two registered patents in these products; his last job was in Memphis with Adjuvants Unlimited. Marcia continued in her nursing career, working primarily on medical-surgical and recovery room units as well as being the primary caregiver to their children. Her last employment was with Baptist Desoto in Southaven, Mississippi. They both retired in 2015. Life was different after retirement. Marcia took some of her retirement money and bought a Corvette. “We had lots of fun trips with the Corvette Club of Memphis,” recalls Marcia. The couple has also traveled extensively including several cruises and hiking experiences; their favorite was the “Bright Angel” trail in the Grand Canyon– a 12 hour trip! Also important was the visit to Normandy Beach and the American Cemetery. Marcia and Richard have experienced a life of both joy and sorrow. Their faith has sustained them and led them to devote their lives to church-centered activities and helping others. Both have taught Bible class and supported VBS wherever they have lived. Richard has been a song leader, deacon, elder and Bible School Coordinator. They initiated a “Thursday School” while living in Mentor, Ohio. They have made two missionary trips to El Salvador as well as worked with Disaster Relief in Nashville. While living in Houston, Texas, Marcia worked with the chaplaincy at MD Anderson Hospital. “We have made so many ‘church friends’ all over the country and keep in touch with them,” states Marcia. They are currently members of Germantown Church of Christ. The Fraleys decided to move to Kirby Pines when medical issues began to surface, and they were taking care of a 4,000 square foot house and three acres of land. After looking at several places, they moved to Kirby in May 2024. They continue their motto, “Just Keep Moving!” with regular exercise. Both have always loved to sing. Richard is a member of the Chorus and Marcia is in the Line Dancers and Theater Group. “There are so many things to enjoy here,” says Marcia. “We made the right decision. We love the people, all of the activities and the beautiful campus. It has all been great, and we have a lot to look forward to–even Corn Hole!” Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines The Pinecone | May 2025 • 7 • Marcia and Richard Fraley seem to have opposite personalities, so what attracted them to each other? Whatever it was has bonded them in their faith and desire to help others for 60 years! How did they meet? A rather unusual story: Richard stole Marcia’s shoes! Marcia and Richard were born in the same hospital in Steubenville, Ohio. However, they would not meet until the “shoes incident.” Born two years apart, their families lived on opposite sides of the Ohio River, Marcia’s in Weirton, West Virginia, and Richard’s in Steubenville, Ohio. When Marcia was 13, her father bought a 200 acre farm in Richmond, Ohio. The family began attending the Church of Christ in Steubenville, the church Richard’s family attended. During her first VBS, Marcia removed her shoes and placed them under the pew. Richard decided to steal and hide them. According to Marcia, “Taking off my shoes was my thing–I’m from West Virginia, you know! Naturally, this caused a scene; the Bible school teacher was not impressed, but… that was the beginning of our relationship.” Marcia Goddard loved living on the farm. “It was a great place,” recalls Marcia. “My sister and I drove the tractor, helped with thrashing, loading the hay and with gardening. Our family was joined by a new addition, a brother, when I was 16 years old. I was more like a mother than a sister. He was a good kid and didn’t give me much trouble.” Marcia decided that a career in nursing was her way to have a Christian career–helping, encouraging and comforting people. Following high school, she enrolled in the nursing program at Akron General Hospital in Akron, Ohio. Following graduation, she moved to Columbus, Ohio. Her first job was in a hospital ICU, and she was assigned to care for a patient in an iron lung. “It was quite stressful,” recalls Marcia, “But I learned quickly, and we both survived!” Richard remembers his childhood as a good time, except when his sister hit him on the head with a broom because “he wasn’t playing right.” The family was active in church and enjoyed camping; Christmas was always a big event. When he was about two years old, Richard took a red ball from the Christmas tree and took a big bite from it. Perhaps the love of science and experimenting was an early interest! He was an honor student in high school, excelling in science and mathematics. He played football as well as trumpet in the school concert band. J U S T K E E P M O V I N G Resident Spotlight: Marcia & Richard Fraley Richard & Marcia Wedding