Wilford Eugene Fridy

Wilford (Will) Eugene Fridy passed away on Saturday, January 29, 2022, after a long fight with dementia. He will be remembered as a scholar of uncommon skill, voracious reader and book collector, fisherman, lover of his family, man about town who would talk to anyone and everyone, and general renaissance man. He was born on March 11, 1934, to the late Thomas and Catherine Fridy, and had three brothers, Ed, Pete and Charles, all of whom predeceased him. Will died a resident of Louisville, KY but spent much of his life in Bowling Green, KY and Nokomis, FL. He married Geri Fridy in 1990 and they enjoyed reading, traveling, and other pursuits as long as his condition allowed.

Will graduated from Western Kentucky University (1957), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1959), attended the University of Chicago (1960-62), and obtained his Ph.D. in English from the University of Kentucky in 1968. He taught at Western Kentucky from 1966 until his retirement in 1996, focusing on Robert Penn Warren, etymology, mythology and a lot of other subjects many of us wouldn't understand. In his retirement, he moved to Florida, where he enjoyed walks on the beach, collecting shells, the occasional fishing trip, and an active life volunteering with Hospice and giving lectures (where he had an avid following of elderly groupies).

Will is survived by his wife, Geri, her sons Jack and Jeff Mills; his daughter Kathy Nicholas, and her two children, Jennifer Sebren and David Westbrook; his son Mark Fridy, his wife Shelly Gibson, and their two children, Emma and Grace; two great grandchildren, nieces and a nephew.

Expressions of sympathy may include contributions to Hosparus Health, 6200 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, KY 40205 or The Hildegard House, 114 Adams Street, Louisville, KY 40206.

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