Cary Bruce Fry, 66, of Bankson Road in Oil City, Cornplanter Township, died Thursday evening, February 16, 2017 as a result of a garage fire at his home.

He was born in Oil City on August 31, 1950 to the late Charles L. and Mabel Jane (Bliss) Fry.

Cary graduated in 1968 from Oil City High School, where he ran track and was a National Honor Society member.

He then served as an airborne ranger in the U.S. Army from 1969 — 1971.

He was a member of several Oil City social clubs, including the P.N.A., Pulaski, and the Eagles.

Mr. Fry was of the Methodist faith.

In his earlier years, Cary enjoyed hunting, and participated in bowling and billiard leagues. Cary enjoyed nature and bird watching, and working on various projects in his garage.

Mr. Fry was employed for many years as an auto body technician with numerous auto dealerships in the area.

He was married in Colorado Springs on October 7, 1972 to the former Mary Ellen Stancil, and she survives.

Also surviving are two children, Jeffery A. Fry of Utica, and Heather Hutchinson and her husband DeWayne, of Rouseville; a step-son, Michael McKibben of Vance, South Carolina; five grandchildren: Dennis J. Quick, II, Alexander J. Fry, Kaylyn P. Fry, Rebecca R. Hutchinson, and Sean W. Hutchinson; a sister, Jackie Chickerella and her husband Gary, of Lower Burrell; two brothers, Charles J. Fry and his wife Kathleen of Seneca, and James L. Fry and his wife Pam of Oil City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jane Fry.

Friends and family will be received Tuesday (Feb. 21st) from 6 — 8 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township, where a memorial service will follow Tuesday at 8 p.m. with Pastor Doug Cole, of the Titusville Bible Baptist Church, officiating.

Private interment will be in Rynd Farm Cemetery, with the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard according full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cornplanter V.F.D., 1050 Grandview Rd., Oil City, PA 16301; the Rouseville V.F.D., 8 Spring St., Rouseville, PA 16344; or the Venango County Humane Society, 286 S. Main St., Seneca, PA 16346.

To express condolences online to the Fry family, please visit www.hilebest.com