Ray L. Fry

Ray L. Fry, 85, of Republic, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Ray was born in Old Fort, Ohio on November 21, 1935 to H. James Fry II and Lola (Gillmor) Fry.

Ray attended Old Fort High School, excelling in baseball and track. After graduation in 1953, Ray enlisted in the US Marine Corps, training at Parris Island and being stationed in California.  After being honorably discharged, Ray continued flying and worked for his dad’s trucking company. He attended the University of Idaho to study engineering and forestry while playing baseball and flying airplanes.  He was president of the U of I Flying Club and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in May, 1962.

Ray married Elaine (Blada Spurgeon) Moe in 1961. They moved to California where Ray contributed to the “space race”, working for Lockheed, then Vandenburg AFB. Son Greg was born in 1962 and daughter Laura joined the family in 1963. Ray accepted a position with the Army Corps of Engineers and spent 3 years as a hydroelectric engineer at the  Dworshak Dam while living in Orifino, ID before relocating to Colfax, WA to continue his work at the Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. In 1995, Ray and Elaine settled in St. Maries, ID where Ray was a very active community member.  Elaine passed in 1998.

In 2009, Ray married Jane (Johnson) Shaffer and they spent a majority of their time together in Republic, OH with visits to the St. Maries area. Ray enjoyed returning to his roots in Seneca County with Jane and his siblings. He was fond of tinkering with electronic equipment and his riding mower collection.

Ray is survived by his wife Jane, his siblings Gerald, Norman, Doris (Kroeger), and Janet (McRanie): his son Greg (Mallory and Keenan Fry): his daughter Laura (Claire and Lauren O’Melia): his stepsons David (Michelle, Michael, Monique) and Andrew and Angela (Brad and Erin) Shaffer.

His passing is preceded by brother Howard James Fry III and stepson Robert B. Shaffer.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 7, 2021 at Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin, with a Memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson's Association, Allen Eiry Senior Center or to the Fort Seneca Church.

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