Tsgt. Gifford E. Fry, Ret.

TSgt. Gifford E. Fry, USAF, Ret., 86, of Felton, passed away at Bayhealth Kent General Campus, on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.  He was the son of the late Isaac and Ida Small.

TSgt. Fry was a proud 21-year veteran of the US Air Force working as an airplane mechanic. Following his retirement he worked for a while at Brass Sales, and then went on to become a charter bus driver for Jor-Lin which he greatly enjoyed.

He was Past Commander of the now closed VFW post in Dover, attended the Felton-Viola United Methodist Church, and at times the Bethel Worship Center.  In his spare time, Gifford enjoyed traveling with his wife to Wisconsin, Myrtle Beach, and Florida; family get togethers; and being around his grandchildren. He also liked to read, do crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and watching tv, especially the westerns like Gunsmoke. A man of few words, when Gifford did talk you wanted to listen to what he had to say. He also loved sweets, and was known to at times enjoy dessert before dinner. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Gifford is preceded in death by his son, Wilson E. Fry; and sisters Judy Kerstetter and Margaret Ewers.

Gifford is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pauline Fry; children, Craig (Carol) Fry, Sharon (Phil) McClister; grandchildren, Stacey Ferrell, Chris Fry, Ashley Riley, Cheryl Fry; 9 great grandchildren; siblings, David Small, Donald Small, Lester Small, Dorothy Fry, Josephine Kerstetter, and other extended family.

A service to celebrate Gifford’s life will be on Monday, June 28 at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy, Harrington, at 1 PM with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior at 12 noon. Interment will follow at Hopkins Cemetery, Felton DE.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.