David "Dave" James Fry, 79, died peacefully at his home in Prospect with his wife of 39 years, Marjory "Margie" Ann Eller at his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Alma Van Kuren of Evart, MI, and Carl Fry of Pontiac, MI; a brother, Louis Fry of West Palm Beach, FL; a sister, Jean McCurdy of Camp Hill, PA; and a daughter, Cheryl Lynn Fry of Louisville, KY.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his children: Sandra Jean Coleman (John), Micco, FL; Susan Ann Ballew (Frank), Athens, TN; Donna JoAnne Fry (Danny Reinstedler), Louisville, KY; Karen Denise Blair, Elma, WA; two sisters: Jane Dixson, Pontiac, MI; JoAnne Rhoads (Bob), Doniphan, MO; and brother-in-law, Clifford Eller (Ruby), Overland Park, KS; seven grandchildren: Jason, Mark, Teara, Christopher, Zane, Savannah, Kenny; four great grandchildren: Eve, Aurora, Josiah, and Miles.
He was greatly loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dave was a well-known local artist and exhibited at such places as the Speed Museum, the Water Tower, and traveling exhibits in several states including Colorado, Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina and Florida. He was a sculptor, painter, and a potter. He studied art at the University of Louisville.
Prior to his art career, Dave worked in Plant Engineering and was a partner in creating the company Vacuum Depositing, Inc., that developed vacuum metallizing using NASA test chambers to metallize plastic film.
Dave was known as quite an inventor. A boss of his said, "Dave can build anything!"
He was a pilot (he once built his own airplane) and had a passion for flying. He was a member of the Aero Club of Louisville for over 50 years.
He spent his early life in Michigan. He also lived a year in Sitka, Alaska where he worked in a pulp mill. The last 60 years of his life he spent in Louisville.
Dave loved family, friends, music and traveling. He was a regular at Saints and Homefront and other music venues of Louisville.
He was an active member of the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church.
Per Dave's wishes cremation was chosen. A celebration of his life will be held at Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church (4936 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY 40222) on November 24, 2018, visitation will be held from 12/Noon until the memorial service at 1 p.m. followed by a reception where all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, those who would like are invited to make donations in Dave's name to the Kentuckians for the Commonwealth (http://kftc.org/) or the Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church (http://www.tjuc.org/).
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