Harry William Fry

Harry William Fry died peacefully in his home the morning of September 13, 2014. Born to Ella Mae Lenhert and William Henry Fry of Enid, Oklahoma, on November 12, 1912, he was just shy of his 102nd birthday. As the oldest son of eight children, Harry joined the Navy after high school to help support his seven siblings during the hard times of the Great Depression. After four active years, three on the USS Detroit, he attended the University of California Berkeley and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He went to work for the newly emerging IBM Company in Sacramento. In Sacramento he met his wife-to-be, Dora Mae Zimmerman. WWII would separate them until, in 1944, they married during his leave. He transferred to the Navy Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after 20 years of service. Harry retuned to IBM after the war then took a position with PG&E where he worked for thirty years while raising his family.

Harry's pleasures in life were his family, faithful friendships, helping others, games, and gardening. He had an easy upright posture which reflected his character that was fair, honest and generous. Always fit, his strength of mind, body and spirit belied his age. At 100, he was still planting melons and beating everyone at cards. He was a terrifie problem solver and gained that reputation among his family and neighbors who knew they could call upon him. "Go get Harry!" was akin to dialing 911. Harry was a gracious, courtly man whose voice carried a caress in its greeting; he thought about things and cared deeply about other people.

Predeceased by his wife Dora Mae, his eldest daughter, Carol Holmes (Terry) and three siblings: Paul, Edna May and Margaret, Harry is survived by his children Alan, Linda Fry Poverman (Buzz), Melissa Fry (Jim Branton), Jere Pedrazza (Joseph) and Tricia Fry Hedman (Michael), his sisters Katherine Langford and Melba Nickel, brothers Eldon and Bill, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Hinds Hospice and the First Congregational Church of Fresno.