News Summary
Samuel ‘Sam’ Hugh Frazier, a vital figure in Birmingham’s legal and historic preservation community, passed away at the age of 80. His lifelong commitment to revitalizing Birmingham and preserving its history leaves a lasting legacy. Frazier’s contributions ranged from his legal expertise at Spain & Gillon to his leadership roles in various preservation initiatives. Known for his engaging storytelling and dedication to family, Frazier will be remembered as a beloved community member and advocate.
Birmingham, Alabama — Samuel “Sam” Hugh Frazier, a prominent attorney and passionate advocate for historic preservation, passed away on May 12th, 2025, at the age of 80 after a long illness. His contributions to the Birmingham community, particularly in the areas of law and historic preservation, were vast and impactful.
Born on June 8th, 1944, in Washington, D.C., Frazier was raised in Decatur, Alabama, where he flourished academically and formed lifelong friendships. He attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, majoring in philosophy. At the university, he showcased his leadership skills by serving in various roles, including as a columnist for the school newspaper and president of the Young Democrats. In 1966, Frazier graduated with a degree in philosophy and chose to enlist in the Vietnam War, opting not to use an academic deferment.
Upon completing his military service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in England and achieved the rank of captain, Frazier returned to academia. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from The University of Alabama Law School and subsequently obtained an L.L.M in taxation. His legal career spanned decades at the Spain & Gillon law firm in Birmingham, where he focused on areas such as trust, estate, public finance, corporate, and real estate law.
Frazier’s dedication to the revitalization of Birmingham was evident through his active involvement in historic preservation initiatives. He played a key role in designating Forest Park as a historic neighborhood and supported the introduction of state historic credits. His efforts contributed to the establishment of downtown tax increment financing districts and the revitalization of areas like Five Points South and the Downtown Center. Furthermore, he championed environmental initiatives, including a tree-planting project and the restoration of the Zinzer Building.
As an influential member of the community, Frazier served in various leadership capacities. He was the Alabama adviser to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and held the chairmanship of the Birmingham Historic Commission. His commitment to his neighborhood was further reflected in his position as president of the Forest Park-South Avondale Neighborhood Association and his involvement on several boards dedicated to historic preservation.
Known for his engaging storytelling, Frazier took pleasure in sharing the rich histories of Birmingham, Decatur, and his family’s tale. He was deeply committed to his family, particularly his twin grandsons, with whom he maintained a close bond despite his personal disinterest in sports. A devoted Episcopalian, Frazier actively participated in church activities, serving as a Vestry member at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and later at Grace Church in Woodlawn. He was also a long-standing member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Decatur until his death.
Frazier was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, in 2021, as well as his parents and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son, Samuel (18th) Hugh Jr.; his daughter, Sarah Mary Frazier; son-in-law, Marc Andrew Sennewald; his grandsons, James Jefferson and Frederick Alexander Sennewald; and cousins Samuel (17th) Gillespie Frazier and Elizabeth Walker Heckman. The family expressed gratitude towards those who cared for Sam during his declining health.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to be made to the Irish Georgian Society, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, or the Episcopal churches of Grace, St. Andrew’s, or St. John’s.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Samuel Frazier Obituary
- Legacy: Samuel Bragg Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Carol Frazier Obituary
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Google Search: Samuel Frazier Birmingham
