Walter Lee Fry's Obituary
FRY, Walter Lee, age 83, of Waynesville, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Walter graduated from Fairmont West High School, class of ’60. After graduating, he honorably served in the United States Marine Corps. He looked forward to Marine Corps reunions, where he could catch up with all his friends. He retired from General Motors in 1996 after 30 years of service.
Even though he was straightforward, Walter was a deep thinker who genuinely cared for his loved ones. He was a very strong man; he strived to raise his kids right and just wanted everyone to do the right thing in life. Often, he was a quiet thinker who talked to himself, but never once complained. He was very content staying at home and tinkering around on the farm. He loved his chickens, cows, dogs, cats, and goats. He had gained a small collection of tractors that he took great pride in having them run in pristine condition. In addition, he enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, and riding his motorcycles and dirt bikes.
His passion was watching the many boxing events, football games, and NASCAR races. He was very fortunate when his family installed three TVs in his bedroom, allowing him to watch different events simultaneously. When his kids and grandkids were younger, he enjoyed taking them on trips to Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains, and even local places like the Serpent Mound. He loved being around his family and looked forward to them all being together during Christmas and Thanksgiving. He made sure to be always present at birthday parties. His favorite was Easter, when he would hide eggs for the kids across his five-acre lot for two hours, only for them to take eight hours to find them all. He was very proud of being a good father and grandfather, but more importantly, he took pride in the way he lived his life and the achievements he made along the way. Among many things, he will be remembered for the love he had for his family, especially his kids and grandkids.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Carol J. Fry, in 2018; his son, Christopher VanOver; and his parents, Clarence and Geraldine Fry Sr.; and his three brothers, Clarence Norman “Jake” Fry Jr., Thomas Raymond Fry, and Donald Vernon Fry. He is survived by his four children, Teresa (Jeff) McGhee, Christopher Fry, Victoria (Robert) Profitt, and Michael VanOver; daughter-in-law, Jill VanOver; 12 grandchildren, Michael, Kristi (Ian), Rusty, Ethan, Zachary, David, Theodore, Jeremy, Korissa, Jocelyn, Amy, Kimmy, and Jenny; two great-grandchildren, Lyla and Emmi and many more great grandchildren.
Graveside service will be at 1 pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Miami Valley Memorial Gardens in Centerville. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. If desired, contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.stubbsconner.com.
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