Andrew Wesley O'Pry

Andrew Wesley O’Pry, age 72, a resident of Fairhope AL and former resident of Park City, UT passed away on February 16, 2019.  He was born on August 8, 1946 in Mobile AL, the son of Hilton and Chloe O’Pry.  Andy attended Auburn University, receiving his U.S. Navy commission upon graduation.   On March 16, 1968 he was united in marriage to Jane Rose and they spent 50 adventurous years together. Andy held a deep commitment to his family, nation and aviation throughout his life.  Mr. O’Pry was a U.S. Navy Veteran, a pilot during the Vietnam War, after serving his country he continued to fly as a commercial pilot, and managed successful telecommunication businesses in Dallas TX and Park City UT. Upon his Navy commissioning, Andy served as a nuclear officer on a Perry Class Destroyer and in 1970 he was selected for Navy flight training in 1970, earning his Navy Wings in January 1971. He reported to Naval Air Station, Lemoore CA as a search and rescue helicopter pilot supporting U.S. Navy 7th Fleet squadrons.  In 1973, he reported to anti-submarine helicopter squadron HS-2, in San Diego serving on the USS Enterprise and later continuing his service in the Texas National Guard.  Andy also successfully established the operations of the Boeing 737, Sikorsky S-76, and Cessna Citation commercial training programs for American Airlines in the early 1990’s. Continuing his career, Andy served as Marketing Director for Hughes Electronics which led to him to establish successful franchises with Direct TV in Texas, Florida, and Utah. Andy ended his flying career as an Emergency Medical Service pilot for the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and surrounding mountainous areas of Utah, Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho. Andy was always ready for a new adventure and never hesitated to take on new challenge or new role in life.  He will be remembered for his kindness and gracious spirit. He is preceded in death by his son, Paul O’Pry. Survivors include his wife, Jane O’Pry of Fairhope AL; Children, Andrew O’Pry, Jr., of Alaska and David O’Pry of Fairhope, AL; sister, Rebecca (Keith) Davis of Atlanta, GA; grandsons, Drew O’Pry and JB O’Pry, Dallas TX. A memorial mass will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, Magnolia Springs, AL on February 22, 2019. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Paul O'Pry Scholarship, Holy Cross Ministries, Salt Lake City, UT, or Wounded Warrior Project. Inurnment with military honors will be held Friday, February 22, 2019. WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC., 19698 GREENO RD., FAIRHOPE, AL.  36532