Rev. Charles Fry

Fry, Rev. Charles Age 85, of Grand Rapids died January 23, 2015 in his home surrounded by his family. He spent his entire life in West Michigan, serving 40 years as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Born on a farm near White Cloud, MI on July 13, 1929, he attended Albion College (honorary doctorate in 1982) and Michigan State University and graduated from Western Michigan University. In 1955 he graduated from Garrett-Evangelical School of Theology in Evanston, Illinois and was ordained that same year. Betty Jean Phillips Fry, his wife of more than 65 years, survives him. Their children are: Bruce (Lynne) of Harpers Ferry, WV, Stephen (Betsy) of Grand Rapids and Kathryn (Dr. Martin) Ludington of Marshall, MI. Grandchildren include Gretchen Fry, Laura (Seth) Gilbertson, Elizabeth (David) Holden, Andrew (Melanie) Ludington, Allen Stahl and Lauren Stahl. Great grandchildren are Leo, Evie, Ilya and Desmond Holden, Josephine Ludington and Aurora Gilbertson. Surviving sisters-in-laws are Bernona Fry and Joyce Phillips Elkins. Over the forty years of his ministry Rev. Fry pastored several United Methodist churches in West Michigan including Scotts/Climax, Decatur, Benton Harbor Peace Temple (Associate), Grand Rapids Aldersgate, Parchment, and First UMC in Battle Creek. From 1968 to 1973 he headed the program staff of the UMC of West Michigan from the Fuller-Fulton headquarters. Later Bishop Edsel A. Ammons appointed him Superintendent of the Central District where he supervised the work of fifty-five pastors. These varied appointments gave Rev. Fry the opportunity to serve as a part of nearly every board and agency of his denomination in West Michigan. He retired in 1989 as senior pastor of Trinity UMC on Lake Drive, Grand Rapids and moved to Cascade Township. With the Rev. Wayne Barrett, Rev. Fry founded Clergy Financial Services, a publishing concern that helped pastors around the country with their personal finances. During retirement Rev. Fry prepared tax returns for clergy, thus enjoying new friends in 25 states. For the past 30 years Rev. Fry has served as Chaplain of the Grand Rapids Lions Club. He was given the Henry Voet Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Service to Lionism. He was also a member of the University and Economic clubs of Grand Rapids. Since retirement Rev. Fry has been an active member of First UMC of Grand Rapids on Fulton St. He spent eight years in their tutoring program at M. L. King Academy. Rev. Fry also served 10 years on the Advisory Board of the Cascade Library and 6 years as a Trustee of the Kent District Library. The Frys traveled overseas, leading both youth and adult groups on several occasions. Rev. Fry also enjoyed reading, model building, stained glass projects, boating, gardening and meeting new people. His smile and handshake were shared with all. Visitation will be held at Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home, located at 4291 Cascade Rd., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Visitation hours will be Friday, January 30th from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 11AM at the First United Methodist Church, located at 227 Fulton St., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. A private interment will be held at the Big Prairie Township Cemetery of Newaygo County. Memorial gifts should be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids or the Clark Retirement Community Benevolent Fund.