Jack T. Fryer Jr.

Jack Thomas Fryer Jr. of Little Rock recently joined the Church Triumphant following 71 years of a colorful, complex and strangely inspirational life. Born in Little Rock in 1944, Jack was raised in the Hillcrest neighborhood, graduated as a star lineman from Hall High School and selected to the All-Star football team in 1964. He was awarded a football scholarship from the University of Arkansas, served in the US Army Reserve, and joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity. While at college he was given the nickname "Daddy Jack" due to an early receding hairline. The name stuck and personified his character the rest of his life. Following college, Jack joined his father as a sales representative in the furniture industry, later becoming a partner and president of Rock City Furniture Company. Later careers included the financial investment industry and commercial real estate. But it was not his professional pursuits, but rather his personal life that created the character and much loved man known affectionately as "Daddy Jack" Fryer. Jack was active in church activities from an early age, first at Winfield Methodist Church (downtown) and later at Pulaski Heights United Methodist. His love for music meant he was a fixture in the church choir from a very early age well until his later years. Jack also had an abiding passion for ministries directed to the discouraged and downtrodden. He would later become the driving force behind the Shalom Zone ministry at Duncan UMC, an area considered to be one of Little Rock's most economically depressed areas. After overcoming his own challenges with alcohol, Jack freely shared his experiences, strength and hope with those who wanted help. Jack became passionate about Swprison ministry and would later serve as chairman of Central Arkansas ReEntry Coalition (CARE). He would then carry that ministry to a higher level, carrying the banner for transitional housing and support for new parolees, becoming an instrumental leader in establishing 2 halfway houses in the Little Rock community. Jack always remained dedicated to his many brothers and sisters in recovery. But for many, it was music that defined the man. "Daddy Jack" was lead singer in several rock ‘n roll, R&B and blues bands, including Daddy Jack and the University Soul Association, Daddy Jack and the Seven Screamers, and Daddy Jack and the All Stars. While many were drawn to his bluesy voice in nightclubs, every Sunday Jack was donned in a blue robe singing another kind of soulful melody as a member of the Pulaski Heights Methodist choir. For the past few years, Jack began another life chapter farming in Conway County. He embraced the Morrilton community, spending his days tending cattle and the weekends attending several local churches. Jack joined the local farmer's co-op board becoming involved with the farming operations of his neighbors – again, in service to others. While there were chapters of great challenge and interruptions throughout his years, Jack Fryer's book of life ended with solace and contentment. His parents, Jack Thomas Fryer and Alice Camille Fryer, predeceased him. Jack leaves behind his daughter, Tracy Fryer; four brothers – Gary Fryer, Doyne Fryer, Granville Fryer (Betsy), and Robert Fryer; several nieces and nephews and more than 20 first cousins. Family and friends will celebrate his life and service to the Lord at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on Friday, June 19 at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service a reception honoring Jack's life will be held at the Country Club of Little Rock, led by Johnny Roberts and the All Stars. (Due to church construction, PHUMC will provide shuttle service from the west side of War Memorial Stadium to the church before and after the memorial service). In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Jack T. Fryer, Jr. Music Ministry Endowment at the PHUMC Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Ark. 72205; and The Cosmopolitan Group of Little Rock, 1501 North University Suite 800, Little Rock.