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GREENSBORO — Henry E. Frye Jr., a Guilford County Superior Court judge for 12 years, is retiring midway through his second term, state officials said Thursday.

Frye’s retirement is effective Aug. 1, said Chrissy Pearson, a spokeswoman with the governor’s office. Frye sent Gov. Bev Perdue a letter dated June 15 informing her of his intentions.

Frye did not return a call Thursday. He declined to comment on his plans through a staff member at Love & Faith Christian Fellowship Church, which lists him on its Web site as a member of its pastoral staff.

In his letter, Frye said he has “reached a point of judicial satisfaction.”

“My decision was made after considerable thought, prayer and counsel,” he wrote. “I pray that my service to the State of North Carolina has been beneficial to the judiciary and to those who are a part thereof.”

Perdue will appoint a replacement to fill out his term, Pearson said.

“She will begin to look for candidates that will represent the community,” she said.

Superior Court judges serve eight-year terms. Frye is one of five Superior Court judges for Guilford County. He was first elected in 1996 and ran unopposed in 2004.

Frye grew up in Greensboro and graduated from Smith High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill and his law degree from N.C. Central University.

In May 2008, the state’s Judicial Standards Commission reprimanded Frye for taking four years to file a written judgment in a civil case. He heard the case in September 2004, but despite prodding from lawyers and court personnel, didn’t deliver a written judgment until nearly a week after he was served with a reprimand for inaction.

Frye is the son of Henry E. Frye, the first African American to be elected to the state House of Representatives, to sit on the N.C. Supreme Court and to become its chief justice. The elder Frye also served in the state Senate and has won numerous professional awards and honors.

Staff writer Taft Wireback contributed.

Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez@news-record.com