Evan McAlister Fries

Charlotte - Evan McAlister Fries, 28, passed away Wednesday morning, April 24, 2013, at Carolinas Medical Center from complications of Duchennes muscular dystrophy. He was the eldest son of Jan Carson Fries and the late George Sechrist Fries.

Evan was born on May 31, 1984 in Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte Country Day School in 2003, where he was awarded the Katy McCanless Underwood Spirit Award. This award was given to the senior who best exemplified enthusiastic spirit, unselfish commitment and genuine love of others. In 2008, Evan graduated cum laude from Queen’s University of Charlotte. He was currently serving as a board member of the Exception Children’s Advocacy Council.

Evan is survived by his mother, Jan Carson Fries and brothers, Ross Alexander Fries and Lucas Carson Fries. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Elinor Bell Carson; aunts, Lane Gatlin and husband, Chet, Gail Carson, Kim Harrison and husband, George; uncles, Bill Fries and wife, Pat, and Tom Fries and wife, Chris; his cousins, Powers Gatlin, J.P. Harrison, Carson Harrison, Hank Fries and Michael Fries; and his beloved dog, Sister.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, McAlister Carson Jr.; paternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. William H. Fries; and cousins, Carson and Brimmer Gatlin.

Evan will always be remembered for his courage, gentle heart, keen sense of humor, and positive attitude. He was constrained by his physical limitations, but chose to live beyond them.

A celebration of Evan’s life will be held at the home of Jan Carson Fries, 120 Holly Lane Charlotte, NC 28270, from 6:00-8:00 pm Friday evening. A private service for the family will be held at the columbarium of Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte Country Day School, 1440 Carmel Road Charlotte, NC 28211 and The Muscular Dystrophy Association, 4530 Park Road Suite 310 Charlotte, NC 28209.