Michael Vernon Fryar
October 4, 1947 ~ February 2, 2020
Born in:
Oak Ridge, TN
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
Michael Vernon Fryar, 72, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital on February 2, 2020, surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Oak Ridge Tennessee, he was the son of the late Volney V. Fryar and Mayme Vernon Lawson Fryar.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Brookshire Fryar; daughters, Melissa Fryar and Christy Fryar Ingle; son-in-law, James Brian Ingle; grandson, Ian Fryar; mother-in-law, Wanda Brookshire; and many cousins whom he considered to be more like sisters and brothers.
He is preceded in death by both parents and his brother, Arthur Jenkins “Art” Fryar.
Mike attended A.C. Reynolds High School, served in the U.S. Navy, and worked for Banjo’s Performancenter until he opened his own engine business, Fryar Performance Inc, in 1980.
Mike was elected as a Buncombe County Commissioner in 2012 and was passionate about serving his community and working in the best interests of the citizens of Buncombe County. He also served on the Asheville-Buncombe Technical College Board as a Trustee.
A special thank you to Dr. Joe Van Nort who has been a tremendous friend and source of support during his battle with cancer. The family would also like to offer their gratitude to Dr. Charles Bryan and Dr. Gregory Campbell for their continued care and concern; thanks to Kermit Tolley, Chief of MEDIC and the MEDIC family for their unwavering support and care; and also to Robert Pressley, County Commissioner District 3, for his care and friendship.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church Asheville on Friday, February 7th, 2020 at 1:00 pm and visitation will immediately follow. Rev. Dr. Ralph Sexton and Rev. Allen Rash will officiate. Honors will be provided by the Buncombe County Honor Guard and Buncombe County Emergency Services.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Trinity Baptist Building Fund.
The family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love and support that we’ve received.
Services
Memorial Service: February 7, 2020 1:00 pm
Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187
Visitation: February 7, 2020 1:45 pm
Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville
216 Shelburne Rd.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)254-2187
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Dear Brenda and girls, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a good man.
Didn’t get to see him very often but there are fond memories of you all at family get togethers. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Brenda, Christy and family. I am so very sorry for the passing of your husband and father. We thought a lot of Mike and it was an honor to have known him. He was a joy to be around and made Brian and Christy’s wedding so much fun. Brian truly admired and respected him as his father in law and so did we. He will be greatly missed and it’s a tragic loss for local government. His memory will live on for all the good things he did to help everyone and his kindness. We will keep you in our prayers. God bless you all and keep you in his care.
Jim and Pat Ingle
Brenda and the Fryar family, Mike was such a good friend to my father, John Young. When my dad was in hospice care, Mike cake to visit him several times, lifting my dad’s spirits each time. He came to visit me after his passing and made several calls to check on me. He was always very kind to me and expressed genuine interest and concern. He stood fast in his beliefs and was such an incredible asset to the citizens of Buncombe County. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
“ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
At a HS FFA meeting he sat beside me and we ate lunch, chit chatted, and later someone said, “How do you know Commissioner Fryer?”
“Who is that?” I asked.
“The guy you were talking to at lunch.”
That is how unpretentious he was (I just knew him as Mike), and after that, we ate a lot of biscuits a lot of mornings and I would get him to talk about politics and it was always very interesting. He would talk, then listen to what everybody else had to say and just sit there and joke just like he was one of us. And you know what? He WAS one of us.
Christy,
I am ever so sorry for the loss of your father. I know he is your hero. He is also a hero to the people he served in Buncombe County. Sending you & your family good thoughts and wishes. May your father rest in peace eternally. Big hug.
OX Honor
DEAR FAMILY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF LOSS. MIKE WAS A GOOD MAN AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL,MAC
You all are in my deepest prayers! I wasnt around Mike very much but each time he was so genuine, kind & funny. He was such a good man & always had the best intentions for others. He will be missed a great deal.
Much love, Holly House
Dear Brenda, Melissa, Christy, and all the extended Fryar family:
We in Buncombe County have lost a great man – one who cared deeply and passionately for doing his utmost on behalf of all the citizens of our county. We are proud of all that he has been, and how consummately he served so many of our fellow citizens. Mike will be deeply missed by so, so many, and I’m simply grateful that I had the chance to know him and work with him! May the LORD grant you HIS peace, which passes all understanding, during this time of separation!! GOD bless!!!! – (Former) Representative Mark Crawford
Brenda and girls, so sorry to hear about Mike. You all were great neighbors back in the day! May you find peace in knowing he is in a better place! Cherish the memories!
Teresa Matney Crockett
I served with Mike on the A-B Tech board of trustees and counted him as a friend. I will miss him. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family.
I am so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. It was a pleasure to serve with him on the A-B Tech Board of Trustees last year. I truly appreciate his commitment to the people of Buncombe County, and to the A-B Tech family in particular. He was a blessing, and he will be missed. I will be praying for the family.