On Sunday October 10, 2021, Freddie E.R. Fitzgerald passed away peacefully at his home after a long fought battle with Alzheimer's.
Fred was born on January 31, 1932, in Kaufman County, Texas to Joe L. and Fannie Sherrod Fitzgerald. He grew up in the Shady Grove area of Upshur County and attended school in Big Sandy. Upon completion of high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he briefly moved to Tyler, Texas; and shortly thereafter met and married Gaynelle Cabbiness and moved to Longview, Texas. They had three children, two of whom died shortly after birth.
In May of 1959, Fred went to work for the Longview Police Department where he started as a patrolman. His first duty was walking downtown Longview checking local businesses. Fred was later promoted to Sergeant and later to Lieutenant. He retired as a Lieutenant after 38 years of service in 1997 and continued his service as a reserve deputy with the Gregg County Sheriff's Office until 1999.
In 2001, Fred moved back to Upshur County and started a new career as a rancher raising cattle. with his son.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Gaynelle Cabbiness Fitzgerald, as well as his parents, his brothers, Dutch, Olen, Roland, George, Roy and Jack Fitzgerald; his sisters, Zuella Harris, Beatrice Dudley, Mayvon Kochin and Violet Fitzgerald.
Fred is survived by his son, Freddie R. Fitzgerald and his fiancee, Lisa Weaver; grandchildren, Freddie W. Fitzgerald and Courtney Faith Fitzgerald as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Kathy Hendricks and Ted Paul.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy Harris, Reggie Harris, Mike Harris, Rick Dudley, Doug Dudley and Kenneth Latham.
The family would like to offer their sincerest thanks and gratitude to the nursing staff at Christus Good Shepherd Hospital East Tower, 3rd floor, and Misty with Heart to Heart Hospice for all their care and support.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorials be made in Fred's memory to an Alzheimer's organization of your choice.
A Life Celebration® funeral service for Freddie Fitzgerald will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 14th, 2021, in the Chapel of Welch Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 6:00 PM - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 13th, 2021, in the Garden Court of Welch Funeral Home.