Jackson "Jack" Bonner Fry

Jackson Bonner Fry, Sr., 93, passed from this life on July 17, 2012, in Ballinger, Texas, at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Jack and his twin sister, Allabee Louise (Beegie) were born in a log cabin in Burnet County, Texas, on September 23, 1918, to Albert and Ora (Glimp) Fry. The Fry family moved to Winters, Texas, in 1927, then to Ballinger in 1936, where Jack graduated from Ballinger High School in 1937. He married Alice Virginia McShan on November 27, 1940. To this union were born Jackson Bonner, Jr., Shirley Lalla, Virgil Mack and Michael Silvey. He served for three years as a Military Policeman in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he returned home and worked for Mansell Brothers John Deere dealership for eight years. From 1954 through early 1966 he served as manager of the Ballinger Co-op Gin and Elevator. In 1966 he moved his family to Dallas to become Executive Vice-President of Texas Cotton Growers Cooperative. In 1973 he received his nursing home administrator license and was administrator for the Christian Care Center in Dallas. While in Dallas he served as an elder for the Garland Road Church of Christ.

In 1976, after all the children left home, he and Virginia moved back to their farm on Dry Ridge, near Ballinger. He worked with his son Mike as a partner in Fry Sales until his retirement in 1994. He also worked occasionally as a fill-in administrator for rest homes in Ballinger.

As a long time citizen of Ballinger, he served as a member and president of the Chamber of Commerce and as a member and president of the Rotary Club. He was a twenty five year member of the Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department. He served his Lord as a faithful member, song leader, deacon, and elder of the Avenue B Church of Christ.

He is survived by children, Jack, Jr. (Kathleen) of Abilene, Shirley (Jerry) Eoff of Alpine, Virgil of Houston and Michael (Kary) of Bronte. Grandchildren include Jama (Mike) Cadle of Abilene, Chalon (Nathan) Hopper of Kansas City, Missouri, Kyle (Melanie) Fry of San Antonio, Kacie Fry of Houston, Aaron (Lauren) Fry of Richmond and Brandon Fry of Ballinger as well as great- grandchildren Mycayla and Layla Levy, Leslie Hopper, and Jackson Cadle. Also surviving are Rebecca (Joel) Webb, of Lubbock, Philip Rawlings of Spicewood, and Samuel Rawlings of Bronte, who he welcomed into the family as grandchildren in 2010.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of sixty eight years Virginia, his twin sister Allabee, other sisters, Mildred (Cliff) Stark and Gladys (Foy “Buster”) Davis and his brother Horace. Also preceding him were daughters-in-law Caryl Fry and Marsha Fry.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated if made to Lifeline Chaplaincy at 1415 Southmore, Houston, TX 77004 or the Avenue B Church of Christ at P. O. Box 426, Ballinger 76821, or a favorite charity.

Dad's frequent question was: “Is there anything that I can do to lighten your load?” We are glad that his own load has now been lightened. He had a host of good friends and his family and friends lives have been blessed by the example of his life.

The family is very grateful for the affection and care given through the years to Jack by the personnel of Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, who made “Rehab” an enjoyable home for the last four years, by the staff of Ballinger Memorial Hospital and Doctors Rightmire and Martinez.

Following a private burial in Evergreen Cemetery, a memorial service will be held at the Avenue B Church of Christ, Ballinger, Texas, on Thursday, July 19, 2012, at 10:00 AM.