Billy Ray Fitzsimmons Jr.

BILLY RAY FITZSIMMONS, JR. GREENVILLE, SC SFC (Ret) Billy Ray Fitzsimmons, Jr., 55, husband of Debbie Hughes Fitzsimmons, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at McCall Hospice House. His firm belief in God and faith in Jesus supported him in his courageous battle with cancer. Born in Houston, TX, he was the son of Billy Ray Fitzsimmons, Sr. of Conroe, TX and the late Katharyn Potter Fitzsimmons. Billy served our country honorably in the U.S. Army retiring after 20+ years of service. During his service, Billy was awarded two Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, five Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After his military service, Billy went to work with The United States Post Office, working at the Anderson and Liberty Post Office and was currently working at Travelers Rest Main Post Office where he was the Customer Service Supervisor. Billy was a member of Marietta First Baptist Church in Marietta SC. Surviving along with his father and wife is his daughter: Emily Fitzsimmons and fiancé Stephen Harwick of Anderson; sister: Kathy Williams and husband Mike of Spring, TX and a brother: Kenneth Fitzsimmons and wife Chrissy of Montgomery, TX; step-mother: Pat Fitzsimmons of Conroe, TX; step-son: Matt Clark; dear friend: Pam Frey of Greenville, SC; comforter and companion: Barnabas (the cat). Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 6 – 6:50 p.m. at Marietta First Baptist Church. 2936 Geer Hwy; Marietta, SC 29661. Memorial service will follow the visitation in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. A second memorial service will be held for family and friends in the Houston, TX area. The service will be on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 2:30 pm at Northridge Baptist Church, 10681 FM 1484 Rd, Conroe, TX 77303. Come join the family in this informal celebration of Billy’s life. Burial will be private. Billy’s legacy will be one of giving. Giving a smile when one was needed, a helping hand when someone struggled. He helped so many people anonymously. He lifted spirits by giving hugs, cracking jokes, and singing to the Post Office customers when they had to wait in line. In honor and in memory of Billy, help carry on his legacy by giving to someone every day; if you can’t give financially, give a smile, a hug, a helping hand. Memorials may be made to Marietta First Baptist Church, Missions Fund, P.O. Box 337, Marietta, SC 29661. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com The family would like to thank Billy’s coworkers and many friends for support, love and visits during his illness. Thanks also to Ben and Robin from Homestead Hospice and McCall Hospice House for their kind words of comfort, support and care during Billy’s courageous battle. Your kindness is much appreciated. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest will oversee the arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

Billy Ray Fitzsimmons Jr.

August 15, 1961 - December 22, 2016