Gerald Douglas Fitz-Gerald, 88, of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, died peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
The son of the late Gerald Fitz-Gerald and Clara Lane Fitz-Gerald, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Bettye Register Fitz-Gerald, mother, Margaret McCurdy Fitz-Gerald, and brother, Joel Fitz-Gerald.
Doug was a member of the Sewanee-St. Andrews class of 1947, and a 1968 graduate of John A. Gupton Mortuary College. He was a long-time, dedicated member of Holly Avenue United Methodist Church, the Eastern Star, York Rite Bodies, a 33rd degree member of the Chattanooga Scottish Rite and Alhambra Temple. He was a 50 year member, Past Master, and longtime Secretary of Marion Lodge #515 F&AM.
Doug was a lifelong employee of Rogers Funeral Home, beginning his career in 1946, when the Rogers family offered funeral services, furniture sales, floor coverings, appliance sales and repair, and ambulance service.
He served as Marion County Executive from 1980-1988. He had also served as Justice of the Peace and was a longtime Marion County Commissioner. He was an avid rabbit hunter and a loyal South Pittsburg Pirate fan.
Doug was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He leaves a son, Gerald Fitz-Gerald of South Pittsburg; daughter, Clara Fitz-Gerald Marona of Trenton; grandchildren, Lynn Marona (Dusty) of Bryant, Alabama, Kristen Marona of Trenton, Colleen Fitz-Gerald, and Zach Fitz-Gerald (Jaqueline) both of South Pittsburg; great-grandchildren, Calli and Rylee Schneider, Jacobi Mitchell, Destiny McDonald, Hazel and Josie Marona; and a whole host of family and friends to cherish his memory.
Funeral services will be held at Holly Avenue United Methodist Church on Monday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. CST with Reverend Joe Moore and Reverend Logan Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in Cumberland View Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2-8 p.m. CST.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607, Holly Avenue United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 189, South Pittsburg, Tn. or to your preferred charity.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.