Paul William Frates

Paul William Frates, 83, of Lead Hill, Arkansas, passed away in Harrison, June 9, 2025.  He was born May 16, 1942, in Chico, California, the son of Earl and Alicee Istree Frates.  He is preceded by his wife, Betty, a daughter, Julie Faye Hildebrand, and his parents.

Paul was born into a family going through hard times.  He had an upbringing that required him to grow up very fast.  It was because of this he learned a lot about making his way through life at an early age.  He was self-taught in the trades.  He built homes that had some of the earliest solar power systems, along with windmills to generate power and even used car batteries as a way to heat water.  He was an inventor as well and could do just about anything.

Paul was also a worker.  He worked all day, every day.  He instilled in his children at an early age the importance of working and doing a good job every day.  His kids were young when he was building one of their homes, and they all helped in the building process.  It was because of their dad that the kids have strong work ethics even to this day.

Paul did occasionally find time to play golf, which is a sport he thoroughly enjoyed and was very good at  for many years. 

Paul is survived by his children, Kim Phillips, and Earl W. Frates Jr..   Paul is also survived by two grandsons, Christopher and Zack Phillips.  Paul also leaves a sister, Darlene Douglas.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. 

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