Michael R. Fries, 53, of Winchester, Virginia passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018 at his home after a courageous two year battle with esophageal cancer.
Mike was born May 11, 1964 in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late Ray McDonald Fries, Jr and Norma Monroe Fries. Mike graduated from James Wood High School in 1982. He was employed at Builder’s First Source as a Kitchen and Bath Design Manager in Winchester, Virginia. Mike loved his job, and always found enjoyment and took pride in his work. He was a member of the Millbrook Pioneers Athletic Association (MPAA), the Top of Virginia Builders Association (TVBA), and Moose Lodge. He was also a member of Market Street United Methodist Church. Mike was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan, and loved watching all local sports. He was so proud of his daughters, and enjoyed encouraging them through their many years of sports. He always worked hard to volunteer at his girls’ schools, and became a huge supporter of Sacred Heart Academy and MPAA. He is Past-President of the MPAA, as well as heading the concession stands, worked on the Scholarship Committee, headed the Souvenirs Committee, helped with the golf tournament and cash party. No task was too small or large for Mike, including constructing the flagpole at the baseball field, hanging the 25 second clock for the football field, and frequently tilling the sand pits for track and field. Mike loved seeing the United States, and traveled to Maui, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and his last big trip to Alaska. He was especially proud to be the 10th generation of the Fries Family in Frederick County.
Mike married Cynthia L. Dill on May 15, 1987 in Winchester, Virginia.
Surviving with his wife, Cindy, and mother, Norma, are two daughters, Kailin Fries Mullins (Michael), of Stephens City, and Jennifer Fries Polk (Cody), of Harrisonburg, and one grandchild, Jaxton Mullins. Also surviving are his siblings Greg Fries, of Winchester, Pam Fries Bowles (Brady) of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, Tracy Fries Mason (Todd) of Winchester, and Brian Fries (Jill), of Winchester.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 5:30-8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 1:00PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with Willie Heavener officiating. Interment will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s name to the Mike Fries Memorial Unsung Hero Scholarship, PO Box 4176 Winchester, Virginia 22604.