Paul Rosco Fry

Paul R. Fry died early afternoon on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at his home in Overgaard, Navajo County, Arizona from causes incident to his age. He was 92 years old. Paul was born on January 31, 1919 in Hillsdale, Hillsdale County, Michigan to the late Forest and Lucy (Smith) Fry. He was raised by good Southern Baptist parents whom, early in life, taught him right from wrong. He was a loyal and loving son and his parents could depend on him to do just about anything that was asked of him. On June 21, 1941, Paul married his life's love, Dorothy Rickerman in Jackson, Michigan. When he married Dorothy he converted to Catholicism and remained stalwart in his faith until the very end. He loved The Lord and taught his children to do so as well. Within a few short years of their marriage, Paul and Dorothy were blessed with 2 children. It was during this time that World War II was in full force. Paul loved his country and was extremely patriotic as he felt the need to go join the other "boys" in defending this great nation. It was with tears in her eyes that Dorothy bid Paul a fond adieu as she fully supported his decision to join The United States Marine Corps. He served proudly and honorably. He returned home, a few years later, to a hero's welcome. At the age of 24, Paul began a long and successful career with the Standard Oil Company, working as a terminal operator. After 31 years of service with them, he was able to retire at the age of 55. As a younger man, Paul attended the University of Michigan to become an appraiser and was one of the very few that actually became certified there. At age 50, Paul opened his own office, Fry Town & Country Real Estate in Jackson, Michigan while still working for Standard Oil. He was successfully able to manage both positions for 5 years before his retirement from Standard Oil. He continued to run his real estate office for several years and was known by all to be a very moral and fine gentleman with the highest levels of integrity and honesty. He lived his Christian values and was always generous with others and willing to help anyone in need. As a real estate professional, Paul believed that his clients were his "best advertisements" as he served many of them time and time again and they would talk him up to the whole town. He loved his work and found great joy taking care of everyone's real estate needs. He was able to retire from real estate when he moved to Arizona 25 years ago at the age of 68. Paul had many interests and hobbies. Most of them included water, boats and rafts! He also was an avid golfer and frequently could be found on the links with his golfing buddies. He had an incredible sense of humor and was quick witted. One of his favorite things to do was tell a good joke. He loved to laugh and he loved to make others laugh, too. Paul truly was a family man. He adored each and every member of his family. He was nurturing in every way a husband, father and grandfather could be. His family lovingly refers to him as the "glue" that keeps their family together. Though he will never be forgotten, he will be greatly missed. Paul is survived by his 3 daughters: Marianne (Bill) Young of Alpine, California, Paulette (Harry, Jr.) Weaver of Payson, Arizona, Marguerite (Tom) Terryah of Overgaard, Arizona; 2 sons: William (Sandy) Fry of Jackson, Michigan, Thomas (Cindy) Fry of Jackson, Michigan; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Along with his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by a son, Hanky Fry. Private family services will be held in Michigan later this spring. Paul's family is thankful for all the expressions of sympathy expressed to them through both thought and deed and are extremely grateful for the prayers offered up on their behalf.