William Fitzmorris

The words of this obituary are closely guided in tone and content by William Harold Fitzmorris.

William Fitzmorris, or “Fitz”, “Bill”, “Billy”, “MajorFitz”, “The Fitz”, and  “MSOB”, was born 29 August 1936 to Joseph Delos Fitzmorris and Ida Meyers Fitzmorris.

He married Carole Jacqueline (Smith) Fitzmorris (deceased) and is survived by his wife Joyce Marie (Fairburn) Fitzmorris. He was the father of eight children and the grandfather to numerous grandchildren. He was also the uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

In this manner, all family are equally mentioned, were individually cherished, and were equally loved. Two are named with eternal gratitude: Tommy Davis and Ike Champagne. “They were special to me.”

William Fitzmorris attended Covington Elementary and graduated from Covington High School in 1954.  He then graduated from Louisiana State University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering. He declined further academic education stating:  "I am smart enough."

For the next twenty-two years, he served his country with distinction as a Commissioned Army Officer during multiple overseas tours in the Republic of South Korea, the Republic of Vietnam, Panama, and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany).  His stateside duty stations included Texas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Virginia. He retired from the Pentagon as a Regular Army Lieutenant Colonel. His decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Legion of Merit Medal.

William Fitzmorris then returned home to Covington where he was subsequently employed by the Jay Roy Exterminator company.

Services:  All are invited to a Viewing and Memorial Service to be held on Tuesday, 4 January 2022 at the Bagnell and Son Funeral Home, 75212 Lee Road, Covington, LA 70435.  The Viewing will be from 9:00 am to 11:am . The Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Fitzmorris home, 19224 Jarrell Rd. Please bring your favorite “Fitz” or “Billy” story.

No flowers. The family humbly requests that any donations be sent directly to the good men of the Lee Road Volunteer Fire Department.

These final words are his own and close this obituary: “I tried to lead a life that would please God. Where I failed, I ask His forgiveness. So long and God Bless You all. Adios, Go Tigers. “