DON FITZ, 85,
surrounded at home by his large and loving family, took his final breath on February 28, 2024—29 years to the day that his dear father, Ed Earl, did the same; he was also preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Fitts, and his sister, Wanda.
Born in Dawson, Texas, on March 2, 1938, Don grew from small-town boy to seasoned traveler, starting his career as amanager at UA Theaters and moving on to achieve remarkable success as a self-employed agent with State Farm Insurance, all while becoming a father to six children. Those who were lucky enough to be customers remember a stand-up businessman with time and wisdom to give and an interesting story or two to tell. He loved his customers and career so much that he retired at the gentle age of 82.
Don lent his dynamic dignity and melodic voice to many people through the years as an impassioned eulogist. With the void left in his place, who can possibly speak for him, the funeral speaker? A man whose approval you sought and advice you accepted, he wrapped his fatherly love in a blanket stitched with the threads of a deep Catholic faith and an active sense of civic duty.
His signature strength and booming voice echo through his most important legacy, the family he leaves behind. His wife of nearly 69 years, Toni Fitz, speaks to a love that few see intheir lifetimes. He was a man devoted to one woman from the age of 17 and demonstrated this love daily through words and deeds. His six surviving children join in raising their voices for a father who commanded respect with authority yet sacrificed everything to deliver a stable home filled with love: Donna Martin (Mike), Ed Fitz, Sharon Ericson (Randy), Chris Fitz (Mary Ann), Shawn Fitz (Rhonda), and Chad Fitz (Julie). A chorus of grandchildren sings praises to their beloved Pop Pop, including Christa Gilliland (Cristine), Parrish Gilliland (Cynthia), Ashley Davis (Zach), Lenial Fitz, Grant Mills (Jackie), Madison Neville (Alex), Heath Ericson (Hope), Arman and Ramil Fitz, Emily Grace Hagood (Joshua), Henry, Peter and Thomas Fitz, and Sullivan and Josie Fitz. Great-grandkids Piper, McClain, Anna Kate, Grace Helen, Austyn, London, Liam, Hollis, Lawson and Camden represent a whole new generation to provide a lasting testament to this amazing man.
Another great speaker Don admired, Winston Churchill, once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Don, we will miss your beautiful voice standing up for us all, and we look forward to a day when we can sit down with you again and listen to the glory of God’s promises.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you amplify Don’s voice through a donation to one of his favorite organizations: Catholic High School for Boys, 6300 Father Tribou Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72205; Mount St. Mary Academy, 3224 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, Ark. 72205; St. Theresa’s Catholic School, 6311 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72209; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
Please join the family and honorary pall bearers Don Barrow, Skip Cook, Martin Roy, Rex Johnson, Bill Hein, and Richard Rose to honor Don Fitz’s life at a visitation on Friday, March 8, at 6 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 9, at 12 p.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church.