Billy R. Fritts' Obituary
FRITTS, Billy R., age 79, of Waynesville, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, June 15, 2023, with family by his side. Bill was born December 31, 1943, to Harvey and Tempie (née Sharp) Fritts in Williamsburg, Kentucky. The family moved to Waynesville when Bill was a small boy. He graduated from Waynesville High School in 1962 and attended Miami Jacobs Business College, where he obtained a degree in business.
Bill worked with his father-in-law, Gordon Lowden, running American Mailer in Dayton. In addition, he owned and operated Lowden Insurance Agency in Waynesville and worked for MetLife. He ultimately retired from Western Southern Life Insurance Company after working nearly 60 years in the insurance business.
Outgoing, family-oriented, loving, caring, and giving, Bill was often ornery and loved to pull pranks on his family and friends for fun. Notably, he treated those less fortunate or down on their luck with the same respect as anyone else and often went out of his way to lend a helping hand. He greatly enjoyed vegetable gardening and took the utmost pride in the care of his garden and the quality of his vegetables, especially his tomatoes and potatoes. He often humorously teased his daughters on how much better he could grow tomatoes than they could. His other favorite hobby was raising chickens, which brought him immense joy. He had one particular hen that became a pet and would ride on his tractor with him. He used his zero-turn mowers as a type of personal transportation automobile and was known to take his great-grandchildren for rides and, of course, that favorite hen. When he was younger, he enjoyed fishing and trap and target shooting. Splitting wood with his log splitter also became a pastime and a sense of pride for Bill.
While he was raising his daughters, it became a tradition for Bill and the family to travel to Hilton Head for a summer vacation. He loved the time spent fishing, shelling, walking the beach, riding bicycles, and going out to dinner for the local seafood. Also, during those younger days, he took the kids to Lake Cumberland for the classic boating vacations, complete with campfires, water skiing, and other activities. In addition, he often took his girls to Ft. Ancient to celebrate his grandfather’s birthday. During his later years, he enjoyed the get-togethers during New Year’s Eve at Dodds Pentecostal Church for the annual “Eat ‘Em Up” event. Throughout his life, his beautiful garden, incredibly designed chicken coop, and care for his chickens gave him the most pride. However, it was his kids and family that gave him the most pride in his life. He will always be remembered for his classic line when discussing his pride for his family, “there is no one like us!”
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann (née Lowden) Fritts, in 2011; his parents; two brothers, Charles and Robert Mitchel Fritts, who both died at birth; one daughter, Cheri Fritts; and two grandsons, Danny Brown and Jason Brown. He is survived by two daughters, Susan (Randy) McKenzie and Patricia (Greg) Barker; sister, Betty (Ronald) Cook; significant other, Connie Lewis; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann, Lee Thomas, Arielle, Aleah, Bobbie Jo, Sara, Tyler, and Matt; ten great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jacob, Cody, Ana, Sophia, Liam, Chloe, Darielle, Amira, and James Lee; one great-grandchild on the way; three great-great-grandchildren; special niece, Becky Jo; and a loving host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, June 20, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. The family will receive friends 6 - 8 PM Monday at the funeral home. If desired, contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice of Cincinnati. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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