Hiawatha Fryer, Jr.

Hiawatha Fryer, Jr. was born on June 5, 1953, in Buffalo, New York, to parents Hiawatha Fryar, Sr. and Cortencie Fountain Fryar. The family then relocated to Alabama, where Hiawatha graduated from Luverne High School in Luverne, Alabama. Shortly after graduating from high school, Hiawatha joined the United States Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he settled in civilian life in Alabama. He later moved to Apopka, Florida, where he met and married the love of his life, Valeria Fryer. They were blessed with four children: Hiawatha, Paul, Tykeria, and TyShuana. Hiawatha genuinely loved the Lord, and he loved serving God in His house. He was always eager and willing to go to church. When the Bible states, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the House of the Lord”, that was the sentiment of Hiawatha. He was always going to church and giving his all in his service to the Lord. It is that very service and care for the Lord that molded, guided, and shaped his life as a husband, father, and overall human being. He joined the Pentecostal Overcoming Holiness Church in Apopka, Florida, under the leadership of Bishop Henry Hall, and then Pastor Sadie White. He remained a faithful member for 28 years. Hiawatha was the epitome of a family man. He took great pride in being a loving and devoted husband and was an equally loving and supportive father. He would spend his time bonding and connecting with his family, hosting family game nights, and playing games with his wife and children. He wanted to win fair and square (even though he proved not to be as good as his kids), and would not be too happy if they “gave him the game”. In his pastime, Hiawatha loved to take pictures everywhere he went, especially among family and friends. He was indeed the family’s unofficial photographer. He also loved to cook and enjoyed experimenting with ingredients. He looked forward to having his family indulge in his tasty “food concoctions”, all be it good, bad, or indifferent. The highlight of his time was fishing. He enjoyed fishing more than anything. He would spend countless hours and days fishing with his children, dear friends, and even alone. Hiawatha was preceded in death by his father, Hiawatha Fryar, Sr.; his mother, Cortencie Jennings; and his sister, Marjorie Battle. Left to cherish his memory and continue in his legacy of faith…his loving and devoted wife, Valeria Fryer; sons: Hiawatha Fryer (Michelle) of Manama, Bahrain, and Paul Fryer of Apopka, Florida; daughters: TyKeria Fryer of Apopka, Florida, and TyShauna Fryer of Apopka, Florida; 4 grandchildren: Erykah Fryer, Elijah Fryer, Malakai Fryer, and Hiawatha Fryer; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousin, other relatives, church family, and friends.

Tributes

Hiawatha Fryer, Jr.

June 5, 1953 - October 17, 2025