Charles Fry III, 83, of Mexico, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, at Second Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Karl Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation is Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Charles "Charlie" Fry III was born on April 25, 1941, in Mexico, Missouri to the union of Charles Fry, Jr. & Hazel L. Prince-Fry. He was the second of three children. Both parents and sisters, Carrie P. Fry-Coy and Linda J. Parrish, preceded him in death.

Charlie embarked on a journey filled with academic achievements and educational contributions starting at Garfield School in Mexico. During his Mexico Senior High School years, Charlie was a versatile student, engaging in football, track, Drama Club, and Key Club, showcasing his commitment to both academics and extracurriculars. He graduated from Mexico Senior High School in 1959.

After high school graduation, Charlie pursued higher education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, where he became a member of the esteemed Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. In 1963, he proudly earned his bachelor's degree in education, laying the foundation for his impactful career.

Charlie's teaching odyssey began at his alma mater, Garfield School, where he taught fifth-grade students from 1963 to 1964. On August 29, 1964, he married Bernice E. Jackson.  Relocating to Kansas City in 1965, Charlie continued his educational journey by teaching social studies at WW Yates Elementary School. In 1970, he transitioned to Lincoln Junior High School.

However, Charlie's heart remained in Mexico, leading him back to his roots in 1977 to teach core curriculum at Mexico Junior High School (MJHS). In 1982, he embraced a new challenge, teaching math at MJHS, then represented by the spirited Mexico Matadors, who later became the Bulldogs.

Charlie's dedication extended beyond the classroom as he served as a coach for various junior high and high school sports teams including basketball, football, track, and wrestling. Notably, his coaching tenure with the Matadors football team earned him the endearing moniker, "Brother Fry."

After a 39-year teaching career with Mexico Public Schools, Brother Fry bid farewell to formal education in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and mentorship. In retirement, Charlie found joy in exploring the world with his beloved wife and remained an active member of Ward Chapel AME Church and Second Missionary Baptist Church. His philanthropic endeavors included participation in Gideon's prison outreach and the organization of numerous Juneteenth celebrations, enriching the fabric of the Mexico community. Charlie also dedicated a decade of his retirement to employment at Walmart, and he continued to share his passion for wrestling by coaching at Missouri Military Academy until 2016.

Charlie leaves to celebrate his life, legacy, and cherished memories: his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Bernice Fry of Mexico, MO; children, retired Colonel Christopher (Valerie) Fry, Sr. of St. Louis, MO; Anita (Kevin) Fry-Parker of Mexico, MO; retired Captain Byron Fry of St. Louis, MO, and Danielle Fry (fiancé, Brandon & daughter, Braelyn) of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Christopher Fry, Jr. & Zachary Fry of St. Louis, MO, and a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.