George William "Bill" Fries, 72, of Tiffin, passed away Friday morning, July 22, 2016 at his home.

On June 26, 1944 in Sidney, Ohio, he was born to Carl Eugene and Dorothy Fern (Hovis) Fries, Sr. He married Candace "Candy" Lawson of Lima on December 30, 1977 in the First United Methodist Church in Sidney.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Candy of Tiffin; a son, Dr. Tim (Cheryl) Fries of Worthington; two brothers, C. Eugene (Velma) Fries Jr. of Lima and Jerry Douglas (Jeannie) Fries of Fort Myers, FL; five grandchildren, Eric William , Audrey Fern and Emery Kate Hoover all of Tiffin and Phoebe Renee and Deacon Robert Fries of Worthington ; son in law, Mark Hoover and wife, Christi of Tiffin; sisters-in-law, Sandra (James) Buffenbarger of Lima and Denise Smathers of Tiffin; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Stephanie R. Hoover in 2006; and brother, John Richard Fries.

Bill graduated from Sidney High School in 1962 and attended the University of Findlay from 1963-1964 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corp. He continued at the University of Findlay graduating with a B.S in 1971. He later received his Masters degree in Administration from the University of Dayton. He served his country with pride, enlisting in the U.S.M.C. in 1964; spending 13 months in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1967 as a Corporal and from the Marine Reserves in 1970.

He was a past member of Bascom Lions Club for 10 years and American Legion Post 183 in Pemberville for 10 years and current member of American Legion Post 169 in Tiffin. Bill enjoyed golfing, many trips to Las Vegas, yard work, and especially spending time with his wonderful grandchildren.

Bill's passion for the future of students and coaching allowed him to start his career at Marion Local Schools as Physical Education Instructor, Head Track and Assistant Football Coach; Tecumseh High School in Springfield as Assistant Wrestling and Football Coach and Head Track Coach; Lima Perry as Head Football and Assistant Basketball Coach and Physical Education Instructor; Hopewell Loudon as Head Football Coach, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal; Lakota Local Schools as Assistant Varsity Football Coach and Junior High Principal. After retiring from Lakota, Bill went on to work at Eastwood Local Schools in Pemberville as Middle School and High School Principal; returned to Hopewell Loudon High School as Head Football Coach; Oak Harbor High School as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director; and Old Fort High School as Athletic director and substitute Administrative Assistant. Bill spent 40 years devoting his life to education, 29 of those to area schools.

A funeral service will be 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at All Saints Parish, New Riegel. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Bascom where military honors will be conducted by the United Veteran's Council.

Friends may visit and share stories from 2-8:00 P.M. on Monday, July 25, 2016 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424.

Memorial contributions may be made to the F.A.C.T. or to a local veteran's group to help veterans in need.

Online condolences may be left and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.