Clarence Edgar Fritts

SOUTHPORT, N.C. — Clarence Edgar Fritts, of Southport, North Carolina, passed away on March 26, 2014. He was born July 2, 1926, son of Charles H. Fritts and Lenace L. Fritts, who predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his beloved wife, Teresa E. Fritts in August 2008, and by his brother Howard Fritts.

He is survived by his sister Doris Englmeier, of New Port Richey, Florida and his six children, as well as 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Children are Karen Anderson and husband Dave of Southport, NC, Jerry Fritts and wife Louie Philips of Dover, DE, Mary Ellen Tetrick and husband Frank of Irvington, VA, Patti Wilkinson and husband Gary of Bluefield, VA, John Fritts and wife Lynn of Centreville, VA, and Michael Fritts of Chantilly, VA.

Clarence was born in Filbert, WV, and upon his graduation from Gary (WV) High School entered the US Army Air Corps toward the end of World War II. He worked for U.S. Steel in Gary, WV, for nearly all his working career, as an accountant for the coal mines of the area. While living in Gary he was a faithful and active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, and an active member of the local American Legion post.

A number of years after his retirement, he and his wife moved to warmer climate in New Port Richey, Florida. He volunteered with Hernando-Pasco Hospice and was a volunteer tax preparer. After Teresa's passing he moved to Southport, NC, to be nearer his children. In Southport, Clarence enjoyed his lunch most days at the “Senior Center,” volunteering there weekly as well. Clarence loved his family and all small children wherever he saw them, and enjoyed music and dancing throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12017 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34656-1939 in appreciation for their care of five members of his family including Teresa, or to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/donate in her honor as well.

A memorial service will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery in Princeton, WV at 3 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2014, with Rev. Mr. Don Hammond officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.peacocknewnamwhite.com. Services entrusted to Roselawn Funeral Home, Princeton, WV.