Obituary of William-Gordon Fry

William Gordon "Bill" Fry, 86, of Springfield, Mo., passed away May 19, 2009, surrounded by his family. He was born December 1, 1922, in Melbourne, Ark. Bill was a member of the 854 Engineer Aviation Battalion with the Army Air Force during World War II. He was retired from Dayco Industries. In October, 1946, he was married to Ruth Evelyn Taylor, she preceded him in death. He was a member of Graceway Baptist Church. He never met a soul he didn't invite to church. He volunteered as a greeter and on the visitation committee. He enjoyed Gospel music and participated in four different groups including Kings 8 and Gospel Tones. Later in life he was "road manager" for the Gospel Express. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Franklin Fry; mother Laura Lee (Smith) Fry Moore; brother James Willis; and sister Goldie Marie (Fry) Patraske. He is survived by four sons, Ronald G. and his wife, Eva, Larry F. Sr. and his wife, Julia, Steven R. and his wife, Sharon, and David C.; grandchildren, Larry Jr., Shane, Ronnie, Stacie (Fry) Beauchamp, Josh, Jason, Christan and Megan; 11 great-grandchildren; brother James Robert "Jr." Fry; many nieces and nephews; church family at Graceway Baptist Church; special friend Glenda; and Gospel Express. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2009, in Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, May 21, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Missions Fund at Graceway Baptist Church, 5010 S. Farm Rd. 135, Springfield, MO 65810.