Karl Fries

Karl Alexander Fries III, age 71, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on May 20, 2024.

Karl was born on March 4, 1953, to parents, Florence and Karl Fries, Jr., in Atlanta, Georgia.
From an early age and into his latter years in life, it could be said of Karl that he will be remembered as being a kind and compassionate individual, and all around just a "good soul."

As a child, Karl and his siblings would build forts while playing in the woods, creeks and on the golf course. They would have games of hide and seek, touch football and would dam the creek, often being run off back into the woods by the Guard at Capital City. The creek served as a source of crawdads and salamanders which served as a good source of bait for fishing which he loved to do as well. Back in the 50’s this is what boys did as TV’s only had 3 stations and reading wasn’t as much fun.

Karl attended D.F. McClatchey Elementary School from Kindergarten through 7th Grade (1959-1966) and attended and Graduated from WF Dykes High School from 1967 through 1971. He was on the wresting team in the 9th and 10th grades. In the mid to late 1960’s he would spend 10 weeks, each summer, without pay, as a Leader-In-Training, Assistant Leader and Leader at Athens Y Camp in Tallulah Falls where he provided guidance and training to younger campers, teaching them skills in basketball, swimming, archery, riflery and other activities such as hiking, canoeing and fishing for trout, which he was very accomplished. He loved the clean outdoors and nature. He enjoyed weight lifting and was very strong for his age and size.

Karl had a passion for cars. Fast Muscle Cars. He owned a 1968 Camero RS, MGBGT, Chevelle SS 396 and others. His first car, a 1963 Karmen Ghia, that he bought with his brother Dillon, was just too slow so he sold out his interest.

He enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, camping and traveling. He and a friend spent time planning a canoe trip from Atlanta to the Gulf. I can’t remember if he and Peter ever pulled that one off.

He had many great friends while growing up around the neighborhood and at school and will be deeply missed.

Karl is preceded in death by his father Karl Fries Jr., and his sister Karen Gormley.

He is survived by his mother Florence Fries; as well as his three siblings: Dillon Fries, Ellen Welch, and Dan Fries.

A graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia on June 22, at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers donations made to NAMI in Karl’s name. (National Alliance Mental Health)

Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040 (770) 886.9899