William L. “Bill” Fry made his transition on November 10, 2016 at 9:50am from complications caused by alcohol dependence syndrome. Bill was born in Harrisburg, PA on June 1, 1955, but claimed Florida as his home. After graduating from high school in 1973, he attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, forming a juggling club and an act with a friend, Gravity’s Last Stand, showing the signs of things to come. After graduating from the Academy in 1977, Bill went to his first assignment in Charlestown, SC and completed additional assignments in St. Louis, MO and Washington, DC.
Realizing a Coast Guard career was not his dream for his future, Bill left the service after 6 years of active duty and returned to Charlestown to start his career in entertainment. Between colleges, cruise ships and USO tours, Bill kept folks laughing with his quick wit and repartee. He was also willing to help new acts develop to provide the best entertainment they could, as he could always see the potential in people. He was a dear friend to many, willing to listen, provide guidance or a friendly hug.
To the end of helping people, Bill and his longtime partner, Carol Studer, started a talent agency “Everything but the Mime”. Bill would see young acts with potential and bring them into the fold, then help them to develop and spread their wings so they too could enjoy the entertainment business. Carol eventually took over all the operations of the business, and it is now in its 27th year.
Bill was also a big fan of baseball. He was able to attend games at all the major-league ballparks, many of the minor-league parks and even attended the College World Series. He was a student of the game, who displayed a remarkable knowledge of the most obscure rules. In addition to his love of baseball, Bill was also a fan of tennis, both as a player and spectator. He and Carol spent many hours on the court.
NYC was also special to Bill as he loved theater and would take in several Broadway shows during their trips to the city. Bill was an active participant in the Brevard County community theater as well, dancing and singing his way into the hearts of the audiences.
Being the Renaissance man that he was, Bill also authored the book “Knot Throwing – Combining the Craft of Knot Tying with the Art of Juggling”. Only Bill would think of combining the two. Bill also wrote lyrics for several songs, most of which still need the music written for them, but the beauty of the poetry remains.
Bill is survived by his longtime partner of 28 years, Carol Studer and his two sisters, Caroll McClimans and Sue Sidell.