I have to agree with you. My Mom born and raised a Tar Heel (North Carolina) lived to just a couple of months shy of 102. Her parents (Tar Heels) lived to 97 and 94. They ate lots of meat (wild game, chicken, pork) some fried food (fried in pork fat - not oils), desserts always at the ready...fatback (oh no!)... and biscuits every day. There were also fresh garden vegetables every day and lots of physical labor.
IMO the key to fried foods and sugar is moderation. Stay away from soda pop and fast food/processed food, period.