William Otis Fitch
William Otis Fitch passed away on September 22, 2021, in Louisville, Mississippi. Mr. Fitch, a native of Holly Springs, was born on August 1, 1933, and attended Holly Springs High School, graduating in 1951. While growing up, Mr. Fitch, known to many as Bill or Billy, was an avid outdoorsman, always enjoying riding horses and hunting quail. Upon graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy, where he spent his years on aircraft carriers as a part of the flight team. He considered it a true honor to serve his country, and he made many long-lasting friendships. His naval friends continue to get together annually.
After an honorable discharge, Mr. Fitch started his career in consumer finance and lending. He worked for Haverty's Furniture in the loan division, and within a few years moved to his lifetime career of consumer loan lending. Mr. Fitch joined City Finance Corporation, located in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as Vice President. His role was opening offices and broadening the base of City Finance throughout Tennessee and other states. In 1974, Mr. Fitch returned to his hometown of Holly Springs, where he and his wife, Clydean Fitch opened their own consumer loan lending company, First National Loans. He applied the same business principles learned in his early career and expanded his company throughout Mississippi and Tennessee. After selling the company, Mr. Fitch's passion for the loan business never ceased, and he opened up another chain of consumer finance companies, Fidelity Loan Company, which are presently located across the state, as well. He was always extremely involved with his companies and business partners during the span of his career. During his tenure, he served as President and as a board member of the Mississippi Consumer Finance Association and Memphis Consumer Credit. He was also a lifetime member of the Shriners.
Mr. Fitch was preceded in death by his wife, Clydean Stanford Fitch; his mother, Lurline Smith Fitch; his father, Theodore Bilbo Fitch; and his three brothers, Robert Fitch, James Fitch, and Jerry Fitch Sr. He is survived by his wife, Aleita Magee Fitch; and two daughters, Lynn Fitch and Lisa Fitch Wavro; and six grandchildren: Mackenzie Burns, Chandler Wavro, Marye Will Baker, France Wavro, Wesley Wavro, and John Tucker Mitchell. He also leaves three greatgrandsons, James Burns, Stratton Burns, and Hudson Baker, who all affectionately called him "EE." Mr. Fitch is also survived by his sister, Ann Fitch Thornton and her husband, Francis Thornton. Other surviving family members include his step daughters, Sonya McElroy (Michael) and Wesla Sullivan (Andy Knef); and step grandchildren, Annie, Maggie, and William Leech, and Kate, Morgan, and Mikey McElroy; and step great-granddaughter, Parker Lamb.
Mr. Fitch's favorite pastime was his love of quail hunting, which began in his early childhood, and continued to be the tapestry of his lifetime. He enjoyed watching his birddogs being trained, and his dogs ran in the National Field Trials for many years. It was an incredible feat having dogs to qualify for the national trials. The ultimate trophy was attained in 1992, when his dog, "Hitch Hiker" won the National Championship.
Graveside services for Mr. Fitch were held on Monday, September 27, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Hill Crest Cemetery in Holly Springs. The Holly Springs Funeral Home has charge.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2630 Southerland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216; Marshall Academy, 100 Academy Drive, Holly Springs, MS 38635; or First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 428, Holly Springs, MS 38635.
paid obituary