Jesse Newton Fitts

McMinnville resident and Warren County native Jesse Newton Fitts, age 96, was born February 26, 1920 and died September 4, 2016 at St. Thomas River Park following an extended illness. Jesse was the last surviving child of the late Samuel Walker Fitts and Ethel Rosetta Hendrickson Fitts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Jasper, George, twin brother Less, Roy, Hoyte and Kenneth Fitts and Justin Johnson; sisters, Alene Fitts Moore, Alta Mae Fitts Sain Dickens, Louvernia Fitts Reed Dobbs and Mary Fitts Griffith; and son-in-law, Robert "Bob" Woodard. On December 3, 1946 in Rossville, GA, Jesse was united in marriage to Mary Josephine Carrick who survives. They would have celebrated their seventieth anniversary this December. Survivors in addition to his wife include sons, Jesse R. (Brenda) Fitts, Robert (Betty) Fitts and Billy Fitts all of McMinnville; daughter, Carol Fitts Woodard of Carthage, TN; grandchildren, Randy (Susie) Fitts, Ricky (Charlotte) Fitts, Mike (Amy) Fitts, Jerry Fitts, Misty (Chris) Martin, Jessica Dee Fitts, Susan (Eric) Marvin, Robert (Katie) Woodard, Shannon (Eula) Fitts and Megane (Ron) O'Shea; step-granddaughter, Leslie (Rex) Crabtree; eleven great-grandchildren and two step-great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Dorothy Fitts of McMinnville and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Fitts spent most of his life as a farmer, but also was a painter and carpenter. Jesse was a simple, patient, humble, common man who loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a dry sense of humor and a sweet, mischievous smile that was contagious. As a young man, he enjoyed rabbit and squirrel hunting and fishing. Jesse served his country during WWII as a member of the U.S. Army 4th Division Field Artillery. He served from May 31, 1940 through October 4, 1945. His tour of duty included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes (Belgium Bulge) and Central Europe. Jesse was presented the American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with one service star and one bronze arrowhead. Jesse was a member of the Centertown Church of Christ where he had served as a deacon. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2016 in High's Chapel with Dorris Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in the Unity Cemetery with full military honors administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at High's. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Alzheimer's of Tennessee