Charles (Chuck) Fry, co-founder of Fry's Food Stores — now a Kroger subsidiary — died Jan. 20. He was 92.
Mr. Fry and his brother, Don, founded Fry's Food Stores in 1955 in Richmond, CA. Mr. Fry was described as a visionary, and he and his brother grew their grocery store chain from one to many, always striving for great quality at a good price. They eventually sold the company to Kroger, and according to family Mr. Fry "enjoyed looking at his his Kroger stock as it gained value over the years."
Mr. Fry was born on May 31, 1927 in Stigler, OK, to Leela Mae and Dalquist Dalquin Fry. He had four brothers and sisters: Yvonne, Don, Cotton and Laverne.
Mr. Fry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice, who continues to shop at Fry's and school willing managers on how to stay on brand to provide top notch service and quality. He is also survived by three sons, John, Randy and Dave; 10 grandchildren, Natalie, Joshua, Lina, Amora, Erica, Will, Jake, David, Brad and Amy; and nine great-grandchildren, Nicole, Megan, Haley, Evan, Elise, Charlie, Kaylee, MacKenzie and Logan.
Mr. Fry and his family lived through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl and were shaped by hardship and close kin. He shared love and laughs with close family and friends, and competitive dominoes with worthy opponents. He was even crowned World Domino Champion in San Francisco in 1970. He served his country well in the Navy 1944-45 on the Heavy Cruiser Chicago.
