LTC Donald E. Fitts left this earth on November 3, 2023, to be with his Lord. Don was 86 years old and was born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 26, 1937. He graduated from Etowah High School and the University of Alabama with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army. While on active duty, he became Airborne and joined the Special Forces “Green Beret.” After active duty, Don served in the Special Forces Reserve Unit in Decatur, Alabama for over 20 years until his retirement with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his Army service, he completed over 140 parachute jumps in North and South America and was awarded the Master Parachutists Badge.
Concurrent with his military career, Don worked 25 years with Amoco Chemical Company in various engineering and management positions until his retirement in 1992. After a short two-week retirement, he went to work for Applied Chemical Technology (ACT) where he worked for another 25 years as Director of Mechanical Engineering. He retired at age 80. Don’s passion was his wife, Gloria, and her extended family; his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and restoring antique Camaros and Corvettes. He restored over 115 Camaros (1967-1969) throughout his life and was known as the “Camaro Man.”
At his death, Don was married to Gloria Ritter Fitts, his wife, best friend, and constant companion. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Knox Fitts and his son Dan Fitts. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; sister, Beverly Watts; sons, Mark (Martha) and Barry (Valerie); daughter, Gina Davis; and eight grandchildren, Josh, Jacob, Andrew, Anna Kerri, Andrea, Nicole, Madeline, and Matthew. He also had three great-grandchildren, Ian, Leo, and McClairen.
Throughout his life Don was always active in his church. He was a Sunday School teacher and held many other service roles at his church. He loved the Lord and is now resting in his loving arms.
Visitation and service will be held Saturday, November 11, at Tuscumbia First Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. and service will begin at 1:00 p.m. Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. at Portertown Cemetery in Lexington, Alabama.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Davis, Jacob Fitts, Josh Fitts, Matthew Fitts, Peter Hurt, Shane Moody, Dustin Lawler, Ian Fleming and Cole Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Napier, Mike O’Brian, John Mulligan, Ray Shirley and Paul Irvin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tuscumbia First Methodist Church.
