After a short but fierce battle, John Fryman succumbed to cancer Tuesday, October 22, 2024, with his beloved daughter Mary Laura, the apple of his eye, holding his hand as he took his last breath. He was born January 8, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Rolla E. and V. Louise Fryman. John was the eldest of three children. He attended and graduated from Overton High School.  John found his way into the brewing world early in his career, taking a job at Schlitz Brewery. When Stroh's bought out Schlitz, John climbed the ranks and eventually became a Brewmaster at Coors Brewery. He later retired from Coors and became a sought-after consultant, living for a time in Virginia and even as far away as Australia.

In 1979, John met the love of his life, Linda (Lin) Hudspeth.  They were married October 25, 1980. They adopted their daughter Mary Laura in 1984 and lived in Memphis until they built a country home next to Lin's parents in Cordova in 1993. John found joy in the peacefulness of rural life, especially with a house full of pets (despite his own claim of "no more animals!").

Known for his meticulous shopping routines, John spent his retirement making rounds through Sam's, Costco, Aldi's, Sprouts, and Kroger, amassing ingredients to fire up his grill. In his free time, he enjoyed his screened-in porch, where he watched hummingbirds and deer while enjoying a Coke, a Pepsi or a glass of tea (or a quick nap), with music blaring.   He referred to this as his "Happy Place".  John also loved deep-sea fishing, a passion he shared with his brother Edward, his son-in-law Quinton, and a friend or two.

On weekends, you'd often find John enjoying a NASCAR race in his recliner, snoring peacefully with the TV volume on high. He was a lifelong learner and went back to college at State Tech when his daughter was in elementary school, often studying side-by-side with her at the kitchen table.

A firm believer in "happy wife, happy life," John knew the art of peacekeeping and found joy in his role as a devoted husband and doting father and grandfather, affectionately known as "Popz".  He was the inspiration behind his daughter's career at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and also her love for scary movies.

John is survived by his wife (three days short of forty-four years), Lin Fryman, one daughter, Mary Laura Caples (Quinton), his two grandchildren William and Claire Caples, his 98-year-old mother, Louise Fryman, two siblings, Edward Fryman (Elizabeth) and Paula Johnson (Keith), four nephews and two nieces, six great nieces and four great nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Rolla Edward Fryman.  He also leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a well-grilled steak.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be Friday, November 8, 2024, 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, located at 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.  John's final resting place will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with other beloved family members.

Memorials may be given in John's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, Highland Heights Presbyterian Church, Cordova, Tennessee or The American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/

Bartlett-Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Center is honored to serve the family of John Edward Fryman; bartlettheritage.com; (901) 372-5555.