STERLING M. FITZPATRICK SR. affectionately known as “Daddy Fitz” a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend departed this life September 9, 2020.
Sterling M. Fitzpatrick Sr. was born February 18, 1930 in Dewitt, Ark. to the late Felix and Annie Dodson Fitzpatrick. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at the St. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He attended and graduated from Immanuel School System, he also attended AM & N (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). In 1951, Sterling was married to Margaret Frye Saunders to this union five children were born. Sterling was later drafted in 1952, into the United States Army; he later transferred his enlistment to the United States Air Force. He reached rank of Tech Sgt. He served his country for 21 years and retired in 1973.
After retiring from the military; he worked and retired for Rock Island Pacific Railroad and Fort Roots Veteran’s Hospital of North Little Rock, Ark. In 1974, Sterling united with Eloise Hawkins Fitzpatrick, this union was built on Christ, Love and Companionship. They shared a love for Christ and each other for 46 years; she was a loving and devoted wife until his death. They enjoyed worshipping, teaching, and studying the Word of God and often traveling together to various National Baptist Congresses and Conventions. He was a dedicated Deacon and faithful member of the First Baptist Church at 9th Calhoun where he served for 46 years.
He loved to discuss and introduce new material about the Word of God with anyone who had an ear and happily offer you an “RC Cola and a Moon Pie.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Annie Dodson Fitzpatrick; one son, Paul E. Rodgers; two sisters, Betty Grisby, and Lucille Jermerson; one brother, John Fitzpatrick.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife Eloise H. Fitzpatrick; four sons, Sterling (Dorothy) Fitzpatrick of Memphis, Tenn., Tyrone (Ginger) of Heber Heights, Ohio, Gregory Fitzpatrick of Denver, Colo., Steven Rodgers of North Little Rock, Ark.; two daughters, Barbara Clements of Denver, Colo., Kimberly JaJack of Denver, Colo.; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; also host nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, 10-4:30 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, AR. Masks and social distancing are observed. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Ninth & Calhoun. Masks and social distancing are also observed. Interment will follow at Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery, North Little Rock, Ark.
My Sincere Condolences goes out to the Fitzpatrick Family. I pray that God gives each and everyone strength to get through this difficult time ??????
A man after God’s own heart. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with the family.