J. William "Bill" Fry

J. William "Bill" Fry passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025. He was preceded 10 days earlier by his wife, Gloria, after nearly 75 years of marriage.

Bill was born in Kalamazoo, the son of Ferrel and Dorothy (Hutchens) Fry. R.N,

As a youth, he was a paper boy and a boy scout who excelled in first aid. He earned the distinction of a Singing Lad" in St. Luke's Episcopal Boys Choir; and was a member when the choir had the honor of performing ›before President Roosevelt. Bill was a star pitcher for his uncle's "Early Fry's Pure Oil" B-Team baseball. His pitching ability later earned him an athletic scholarship at Kalamazoo College. In his later teens, he served with his dad as a volunteer in the Westwood Fire Department.

Bill often commented that his life was filled with men "who were like a father" to him. He often spoke fondly of working for Whitey Louis at his drugstore on West Main.  After college graduation he married Gloria Pearson of Comstock. Then went on to The University of Michigan Medical School where he earned a Masters in Bacteriology followed by a degree from University of Michigan Medical School. Gloria supported Bill's studies working at Argus Camera in Ann Arbor.

In 1958, he was drafted into the US Navy as a medical officer stationed at Long Beach Naval Station. The young family with Steve, a toddler, and Susie, a baby moved to California. Bill was assigned a 6-month Pacific tour aboard the Flagship USS Frontier as Medical Officer for the Pacific Destroyer Flotilla. It was an experience that shaped his life.

In 1960, following an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, the family returned to Kalamazoo Bill fulfilled his dream of establishing a solo practice in General Medicine. He embraced all aspects of general medicine from obstetrics through geriatrics. He was fully dedicated to his patients, including nighttime and weekend house calls, emergency room visits at all hours and rounding twice daily on his hospital patients. He prided himself on keeping current with his medical journals and his medical education. His patients gratefully received his knowledgeable and considerate care.

Bill was a lifetime member of the American Family Practice Association, a member of the U of M Galens Medical Society and a Kalamazoo College board member. He was one of the first physicians in the early 1970’s to earn Board Certification in Family Practice and was twice voted "teacher of the year" by the Michigan Medical Students.  His retirement days were filled with landscaping, woodworking, golfing, time with friends and family, and brief trips away with Gloria. Many afternoons were spent with his granddaughter, Anna and great grandson, Kayd.

Grandpa Bill shared his laughter, encouragement and life lessons with them. He also celebrated their successes.  Well into his 90’s, he was a lifelong learner and an active 18-hole golfer.  Bill will be remembered by his friends and family as a teacher, sports enthusiast, and Renaissance man of limitless talents. His joy and enduring optimism will be missed by all who have the good fortune to know him.

He is survived by two children, Stephen M. Fry M.O, and Susan F. (Michael) Schewe; three grandchildren, Anna Schewe, Peter Fry and Sally Fry; great grandson, Kayd M. Coffman; step grandchildren, Michael Schewe Jr and Kristine Kufeldt; his dear sister Eleanor (Fry) Smith, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria.

A private family interment took place at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Those wishing to leave the family personal messages may do so here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com