Larry H. Fitzgerald

Larry H. Fitzgerald, 78, of Blytheville passed away Saturday morning surrounded by his loving family at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born in Promiseland to William Franklin “W.F.” and Emma Lou Mick Fitzgerald on June 18, 1940. He was a graduate of Blytheville High School.

He loved going to their cabin in Tennessee…it was his “happy place.” He enjoyed fishing, especially for crappie. His favorite sport was baseball. He played in his youth and into adulthood. He was a good ball player. He along with Lee McAdoo, Bob Fuerer, Leon Meadow, and Ann Hearn were instrumental in bringing the Jr. Babe Ruth program to Blytheville. It was sanctioned in 1973-74 and they spent countless hours building the field at Walker Park.

Larry was a special person to many people. He was very honorable, his word was his bond. He was very generous in helping others, but didn’t want or expect any recognition for it. He was an unpretentious man and loved the simple things in life.

Aside from his Lord and Savior, Larry loved his family, the St. Louis Cardinals, Johnny Cash, and the color blue. Once many years ago Beth asked him who his superhero was. His response was “Mickey”, his brother.

He was a long-time member of First Christian Church in Blytheville, serving as deacon and elder. Larry loved his church and his church family.

He was owner of Larry’s Auto Sales and Larry’s Mini Storage in Blytheville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Steven “Scotty” Fitzgerald.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Beth” Fitzgerald, of the home; one son, William “Billy” Fitzgerald and wife Connie, of Memphis, Tenn.; one daughter, Beth Ann Rothrock and husband Taylor, of Germantown Tenn.; grandchildren, Margaret Emily Fitzgerald of Little Rock, Caitlyn Rae Bryan and husband Cody, of Dallas, Texas, and Rusty Pilgrim, Jr. of West Plains, Mo.; one brother, William “Mickey” Fitzgerald and wife Trisha, of Memphis, Tenn.; two sisters, Brenda “Annie” Campbell of Blytheville and Mary Louise Knox and husband Ronnie, of Augusta. Ga.; numerous nieces and nephews that he adored; his dog, Lexi; his work family; and friends and family that will miss him dearly.

A special thank you to the nurses at NEA on 5 West, along with his many “angels” that took care of him.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to First Christian Church or charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at First Christian Church in Blytheville, with Rev. Holly Jo Engle and Dr. Tommy J. Carney officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at carneyfuneralhome.com.