Jack Fitts

CHARLES R. (JACK) FITTS

He was born October 7, 1924 to J.R. and Lorada Deberry Fitts, Silerton, TN. He was educated in the schools of Hardeman County, TN and the U.S. Army. He is a graduate of the Adjutant General School, Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN, and the Senior Warrant Officer E32 Course, Ft. Eustis, VA.
Jack entered the U.S. Army on 27 April 1943 at Camp Forrest, TN was sent to Camp Barkeley, TX for basic training. Upon graduation, he was transferred to Camp Ellis, IL and assigned to 56th. Portable Surgical Hospital. Later his unit was sent to the Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations. They landed in Finchaven, New Guinea on December 24, 1944 the unit departed for the invasion of the Island of Lugon, Philippine Islands, landing on January 9, 1945. Being combat medics they served in combat until the end of the war. During this period of time the unit was in several battles. He received the following medals and awards for his service: Bronze Star Medal, Combat Medics Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Unit plaque and insignia, Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal, Bronze Star battle Participation-Philippines Campaign, Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Star, Philippine Citation Medal, Bronze Service Arrowhead for invasion of Luzon Island on Jan. 9, 1945, Bronze Service Star on Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation Badge.

Jack was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on Jan. 26, 1946. He joined the 90th Air Group (Reserve) on Jan. 27, 1947 and served until Apr. 10, 1947 and on Apr. 11, 1947 he joined the newly formed Tennessee Army National Guard Unit in Henderson. He was a Charter Member and assigned as a 2nd. Lt. Motor Transport Officer.

During the following years he worked for the National Guard in various assignments. He was discharged on Oct. 7, 1984 with forty years creditable service. Rank at the time of discharge was Chief Warrant Officer. 4th Class.

While serving in the National Guard, he held the position of foreman of the Chester County Grand Jury, He was appointed to this job by Col. Tip Taylor who was the JAG for the State of Tennessee and served for twenty years in this position.

He was elected Mayor of Henderson in 1980 and served for four years.
He served as the Chairman of the West Tennessee Heart Association for two terms. He was a Charter member of the Henderson Civitan Club, serving two terms as President and was elected Civitan of the Year on one occasion.
He was married to Imogene Bulliner on Sept. 15, 1946. (They had been married 72 years.) He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, VFW, American Legion and enjoyed many sports and hobbies, fishing, golf and gardening, collection cookbooks and ball caps.

He is survived by his wife, Imogene Valentine Bulliner Fitts of Henderson; a daughter, Candice Kay Grant of Henderson; one grandson, Peyton Frank and three great-grandchildren, Sydney Frank, Hannah Frank and Elliot Frank.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harold Fitts.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday at Shackelford Funeral Directors – East Main Chapel with Dr. Paul Scherier officiating. Burial will follow in Henderson City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at East Main Chapel 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday.

Shackelford Funeral Directors of Henderson