Joel Patrick Fry (Joe), a beloved son, brother, husband, father and uncle was born in Denton, Texas on September 26, 1941 to Wynona and Gordon Fry. He passed from this life on October 29, 2024

He was a member of one of Denton's founding families. Joe was the youngest of three boys. He grew up on a dairy farm where he and his brothers had to get up early every morning to milk cows every day, then again, every evening. Twice a day, Every day.

Joe had very fond memories of family, life on the farm, going to school in Denton, and the many antics he, his brothers and lifelong friends did growing up.

He met the love of his life, Annette, while he was "cruising the drag" near Texas Woman's University. They and their friends would enjoy ice cream and dinner dates at Laynes or a burger and beer at Club Schmitz in Dallas.

Holidays were celebrated on the farm with family and friends. Easter egg hunts, Fireworks on the 4th of July, Thanksgiving feasts and Gift-filled Christmases.

He was very fond of animals. He had dogs early in life, then he had cats in his adulthood.

He enjoyed going to the casino. Several years ago, he won $21,000 by hitting two jackpots, playing quarter slots, in the same day!

Joe loved learning, the beach, fishing, playing jeopardy and reading every day. History was his passion; especially learning about wars and battles that involved the US.

He also loved music. He owned every Beatles album. In the 70's he was the fun uncle. He watched and grooved with Soul-Train every weekend. He would sing in the car to the day's top hits playing on the radio. He was funny, bringing humor into most conversations. He also loved to travel to the Texas coast. He, Annette and Sally would spend time every summer at the beach. Many times, they would travel with his brother, Jerry, and his family. They would go fishing and crabbing, spend time on the beach, swim in the pool and liked staying at the Sea Isle in Port Aransas or at the Howard Johnson's in Corpus Christi where he loved feasting on fried clams.

As a close-knit family, the Frys would often spend a weekend at a local hotel in Denton or Dallas.

His parents, brothers' wives, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles would enjoy swimming in the pool, playing poker and each other's company.

Over the past seven years, he had lived independently and alone. He enjoyed talking and visiting with friends and family, reminiscing about fun and mischievous times. As a boy, he had polio that caused one leg to be slightly shorter and a "drop" walk; that along with progressing arthritis his walking became more difficult in recent years, but that did not stop him. His favorite thing to do was to sit in his comfortable recliner and watch his big screen TV. Westerns and football were two of his favorites. He loved watching out for his feral cats, Fluffy and Big Boy. They came to his back porch every day. He fed them well and did not mind that they shared their food with racoons and opossum.

This year, his health was declining and his memory was slipping. In January, he had MOHS surgery to remove a large cancer from his scalp. In June, he spent 4 days in the hospital for sepsis and pneumonia then two-weeks in rehab. When he went home, a nurse, occupational health and physical therapist came 3-days a week through September. His vitals were always good and he loved the visits. His niece, Janna, would visit his home often, his nephew, Jerry, would call weekly and his wonderful neighbor, Jamie would check if she could do something for him. But he was VERY stubborn and would NEVER consider leaving his home or getting extra help!

His wish was to live independently in his home, take care of himself and when his time came, he wanted to die in his home. He was adamant about this. So, it is a blessing to know, he left this earth the way HE wanted; in peace, in his sleep and at his home.

In recent years, he has suffered the loss of his beloved wife of over 50 years, Annette in 2017, his brother, Jerry (2022) and lifelong friends: Robert Bane, Tony Riley and Butch Shaw. He is also preceded in death by his parents; Gordon and Wynona Fry and brother Kenny Fry.

His remaining family members are: daughter, Sally Fry Berry of Justin; niece, Deni Fry Ackerman (Sonny) of Panama; Nephew, Jerry Andrew Fry (Tammy) of Wichita Falls; Niece, Janna Fry Brewer (Greg) of Plano. Great nieces and nephews: Kenneth Ruddy, Morgan Fry-Mullens, Andrew Fry, Jennifer Brewer Brown and McKenzie Brewer.

A small memorial service will be held at a later date at Old Alton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, share a fond memory of Joe. Make a donation to UNT Feral Cat Rescue, or a charity of your choice.

For further information, contact: Janna Fry Brewer at jfrybrew@yahoo.com