A celebration of life will be held for George Henry Fitch, 76, of Nacogdoches will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2014, at 2:00 PM at Laird Funeral Home with his pastor, Dr. Allen Reed and Banker Phares officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2:00 PM at Laird Funeral Home with service to follow. George Henry Fitch passed away Monday, January 5, 2015 at his home in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital on June 22, 1938 to Elva Shirley Fitch and Kyle Jones Fitch. Much to the surprise of his parents, and doctor, he had a “womb mate”, twin brother, James. Who was born first depended on which brother you asked. George was a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches and was a lifetime member of First Baptist from the time he was in the Cradle Roll Department until his final membership in the Kerr Sunday School Class. George graduated from Nacogdoches High School in the class of 1956. Their motto was “Hard as Nails and Tough as Bricks”. They remained a close group throughout life. While in high school, he was a star running back for the Nacogdoches Dragons and was Mr. NHS his senior year. He was a member of the Nacogdoches High School Alumni Association. George attended Stephen F. Austin State University following high school graduation. George worked several years at Stripling’s Drug Store, for his uncle, Sam Stripling, Jr. He had many varied duties, one of which was gift wrapping. He learned to make beautiful bows and for years he wrapped gifts for the family and delighted all with his creative bows featuring a special knot that kept the receiver from peeking in the box. George continued his career in the banking business working his way up to Vice President and retiring in 2003 from the Stone Fort Bank (now Regions) after 28 years. When he began banking, a loan could be made with a handshake and he made it his mission to know his customers and their ability to repay any debt. Following his retirement, he worked as Bank Manager for Texas Bank in Nacogdoches until 2008. George was active in community affairs serving as President of the Nacogdoches Booster Club and President of the Optimist Club. He was a lifetime member of the Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association. He and his wife, Patricia, were season tickets holders for all the football and basketball games up until the time of his death. Retirement held many wonderful adventures for George and Patricia. They traveled throughout the United States and made several trips abroad. They always had a trip on the horizon. He also enjoyed working in the yard and his cars were the cleanest in town. He was a member of the Region’s Bank Coffee Club which met daily to discuss and solve the problems of the world. George is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Nelson Fitch; son, Alan Fitch and wife, Pam, Nacogdoches; brothers, James Fitch and wife, Lois, Nacogdoches, and Kyle Fitch and wife, Kathy, Marshall, TX. After his marriage to Patricia, his family also included daughter, Holly Takach and husband, Stephen, Baytown; son, Ross Batson and wife, Carrie, Carrollton. Mr. Fitch is also survived by granddaughters, Reagan Fitch, Nacogdoches, Morgan, Rebecka and Kami Takach, Baytown, grandson Ryder Batson, Carrollton, nephew, Mark Fitch Marshall, nieces Angela Fitch McKinney, Nacogdoches, Julie Fitch Smithouser, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lori Fitch Busby, Westerville, Ohio and his furry friend Chanel. George was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and Kyle Fitch, and a dear uncle, Sam Stripling, Jr. George and Patricia’s courtship was a true love story, each fortunate to find the other later in life. George sent Patricia a dozen red roses every month during their courtship. The roses may have stopped but their love did not. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1999. George faced many health challenges in his last years but he faced each new one with faith, courage and strength. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. Pallbearers are Mark Fitch, Dr. Tom McKinney, Ross Batson, Stephen Takach, Sammy Almany and John Fleming. Honorary Pall Bearers are the members of the Langston Kerr Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church. A special thank you to caregivers Roslyn, Monique, Chavon and Tasha; Leah, Pam and Robin Hospice of East Texas; and Dr. Ted Ledet and staff for their care during George‘s final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church 400 North Street Nacogdoches, 75961 or a charity of your choice. Laird Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 18:55:32 +0000
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