Thomas Blakey Fitch, fondly known to all as "Papa Fitch" was born on November 23, 1914. He was the son of the late Thomas and Mary Fitch. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lewis Fitch and sister, Amelia Fitch Coles.

When his country called, he joined the military. He served as a engineer for a dump truck company in World War II and was very proud of his service to his country. He returned from the service and married the love of his life, Glady Jones Mitchell Fitch. They were married for 47 years and from this union, there was a step-son, Frantz Mitchell. Papa Fitch then went to worked for Precision Small Parts for many years.


At an early age, he joined Union Run Baptist Church in Keswick VA, but later moved his membership to Galilee Baptist Church in Fern Cliff, VA until his health failed.

Papa Fitch is survived by a devoted god-daughter, Kathryn (Lawrence) Johnson of Kents Store, Virginia; three god-granddaughters, Sabrina Burruss and Wanda Henson of Kents Store, VA and Michelle Terry of Palmyra, VA; great grandchildren, Martel Henson, Denzel Terry, Briana Burruss and Tressie Barrett; two nieces, Betty Fitch and Theresa (Ricky) Jackson of Charlottesville VA; one nephew, Gary Coles of Charlottesville, VA; devoted friends, Clyde (Adeline) Quarles, William (Alinda) Brown, and Lonnie (Mildred) Quarles.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Galilee Baptist Church with the Rev. Otis Spellman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.