John Fry

John R Fry, MD

November 11, 1934-February 6, 2026

John was born in Wisconsin to Jack Fry and Irene Fogarty Fry. His only sibling was Virginia Fry Shaver who is now deceased.

He went to medical school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then became an Ophthalmologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

He served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and trained to jump in with the front lines.

Following his military service, he practiced ophthalmology in Asheville, NC for thirty four years. Dr. Fry served the Western North Carolina community by volunteering his time and talents at numerous eye clinics. His skills were greatly used in five medical mission trips to Ghana, Africa where he performed eye surgeries.

His wife of sixty six years was Barbara L'Hommedieu Fry. Together they raised four children: Tammie (Glen) Spidell, Renee (Paul) Jenkins, Jack (Janice) Fry, and Terri (Patrick) Burnette. There are ten grandchildren: Andrea, Stephen, Stephanie, Ashley, Emily, Nathan, Wesley, Worth, Wells, and Arden and three great-grandchildren: Archer, Gabriel, and Eliza Jane.

John had a great sense of humor and a kind, loving, gentle spirit. He considered his family to be his greatest gift. He worked very hard as a physician but also found time for outside activities with some of his favorites being tennis and skiing. He also hiked the Alps, biked Holland, and ran the New York marathon.

He will be remembered by his family as a dedicated husband, father, and "GDaddy". We are grateful for his life and legacy. He will be dearly missed.

His family would like to express appreciation for all who have shown love and kindness during his extended illness with special thanks to Glenda, Tonya, Mission Hospital, Four Seasons Care, Care Partners, Laurels of Greentree Ridge, and the VA Valor Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27th, at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church. Memorials in John's honor can be made to Saint Jude’s Hospital.

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