WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness that on January 22, 2022, Harry passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife by his side. Harry was a devoted husband, father, GG daddy and friend. Harry was born in Wilmington, NC on July 9, 1924, to Jessie and Lola Fryer. Harry had three siblings: Dorothy, Lewis and Helen Fryer.
As a young child growing up in Wilmington on the “Mill Hill”, he enjoyed playing jackknife on the “pea field”, shooting marbles, roller skating down a two lanes Wrightsville Ave, fishing in the Mill Creek off Wrightsville Ave and swimming at the Spotford mill pool. During his teenage years Harry worked milking cows for Lewinburg Dairy and delivering newspapers for the Wilmington Gazette. After graduating from New Hanover High School in 1942, he took a job at the Wilmington Shipyard. Once Harry turned 18, he enlisted in the Seaman Merchant Marines (1942-1945) during his time in the service with the seaman; Harry crossed the Pacific Ocean 9 times and crossed the Atlantic Ocean 28 times.
Upon returning home Harry married the love of his life, Gloria Blanton Fryer. Gloria and Harry had known each other since they were young children living off Wrightsville Ave. It was no surprise to their families and friends when they became engaged and married. Their relationship and marriage was truly a match made in heaven. They married on November 22, 1947, this year they would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Harry and Gloria had two beautiful daughters, Carolyn and Cathy Fryer.
Harry had various jobs during his life; owned and operated a shrimp boat in Southport, worked for Coastline Railroad, Max Auto Parts, Jackson & Bell and then Wilmington Printing Company where he retired after 23 years. Harry also had many interests and accomplishments during his life; when he and Gloria built their first house, he went to Cape Fear Tech to learn welding and cabinetry. Harry was the co-founder for the first Spotford Mill Reunion, was a Sunday school teacher, choir director and deacon at Gibson Baptist Church, a member of the Wilmington Exchange Club and served as president 1967-1968.
In 1991, Harry received the USSR Commemorative Medal from Russia. This medal/award was for his “courage and personal contribution to the allied support during WWII”. His unit carried supplies to the Soviet Port at Murmansk. These excursions were called the “suicide runs” due to the submarines and air attacks.
Being a true “Wilmingtonian” Harry loved being out on the water in his boat or fishing off his dock. On any given weekend you could find him fishing, gathering oysters or clamming. The Fryers hosted many oyster roasts over the years for both family and friends.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his two beautiful daughters: Carolyn Fryer Windham and Cathy Fryer Brewington. He is survived by loving wife Gloria of 74 years, his niece, Eugie Daniels and her husband Sidney, niece by marriage Doris Long, son in law Grady Windham, son in law, Ernie Brewington, a special granddaughter, Kary Brewington Massengill and husband, Will and his great granddaughter, Lily Massengill. The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers: Risa Johnson, Julie Brewer, Deirdre Satterfield and Charlene Burbee.
Harry Fryer will be missed by family and many friends. Harry leaves behind many fond memories and examples for us to live by; a strong work ethic, a desire to learn, empathy to those in need, always lend a hand to your neighbor, respect & love for the ocean and devotion to God and family.
The song “I’ll be seeing you” (1938) was Gloria’s and Harry’s song. While Harry was in the service the letters, he wrote to Gloria would end with this lyric.
So, “farewell honey I’ll be seeing you-until we meet again-I love you” Gloria Blanton Fryer
When the time arrives, Gloria and Harry will be laid to rest together.
