Frederick H. Parry III

Frederick Hugh Parry III, 72, of Matthews, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at his home with family by his side. He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on October 19, 1944, one of three sons of the late Frederick H. Parry Jr. and Claire Rogan Parry.

Fred graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, where he met his wife, Linda, in the campus bookstore, and went on to earn a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of North Texas in Denton. His professional career as a chemist spanned three decades and led him to Rhode Island, New Jersey and, finally, the Charlotte area.

He was known for his keen scientific mind, gentle manner, faith and dedication to family. He displayed a dry sense of humor with adults; to young people, he was “Funny Fred.”

Fred faced several bouts with cancer, a stroke and other health problems with uncommon grace and courage.

He was a longtime parishioner at St. Luke Catholic Church in Mint Hill, serving as Father Jim Hawker’s acolyte, altar server coordinator, scriptural rosary coordinator and columbarium committee member, among other activities. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus fraternal organization, Faith Matters small faith group and Young at Heart.

Fred enjoyed bridge, poker, gardening, golf, jigsaw puzzles and travel. He documented each of his 60 trips, many of which were vacations with the entire family. Special destinations included Hawaii, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Greece, the Galapagos Islands and several countries in southern Africa.

Fred and Linda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year with a mountain trip to Blowing Rock, where they were joined by their children and grandchildren.

Fred was a caring husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Linda Lee Gallagher Parry; five

children: Patrick Parry (Paula) of Matthews, Jim Parry (Denise) of Indian Trail, Shannon O’Donnell (Tom) of Charlotte, Brian Parry (Hope

Yancey) of Charlotte and Kathy Parry (Mel DeJesus) of Durham; six

grandchildren: Ava Parry, Lily Parry, Joshua Parry, Carson Parry, Tommy O’Donnell and Catherine O’Donnell; brothers, Steve Parry (Kathy) of McKinney, Texas, and David Parry (Sharon) of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law Alice Parry of Wylie, Texas; brother-in-law, Jay Gallagher (Debbie Randolph) of Raleigh; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Elena Parry and Olivia Parry.

Thank you to all those who enriched Fred’s life with the gift of friendship, including the Knights of Columbus, who built his wheelchair ramp. At Fred’s request, family members painted the ramp Carolina blue as a Father’s Day present for him this year.

Heartfelt thanks also to caregivers Susan Gianpetro and Ellen Wesenberg.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at the church with Father Paul Gary, pastor, officiating. Inurnment will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “Building Peace”

capital campaign at St. Luke Catholic Church, 13700 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, or to La Leche League, care of Pam Dunne, 2096 Piper Way, Keswick, VA 22947.

Condolence messages may be sent online at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.