Joseph 'Jake' Fritts

Joseph M. Jake' Fritts Joseph M. Jake' Fritts, age 90 of Mountain City, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Watauga Medical Center following a brief illness. He was a native of Johnson County, Tennessee, and was born on June 6, 1920, the son of the late Joe M. and Gertie Lowe Fritts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Doris, Euna, Minnie and Winnie and two brothers: Manis and Manuel. Mr. Fritts was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Air Corps. He was a member and past adjutant of the American Legion, Johnson County Post No. 61 and of the Johnson County Historical Society. Mr. Fritts was one of the oldest living members and had the longest membership attendance record at First Baptist Church of Mountain City. He was in the produce business for many years, having been associated with Beverly's Inc. of Pahokee and Homestead, Florida. He was also employed by Bush Brothers Canning Company of Dandridge, Tennessee as their green bean buyer in Mountain City. Mr. Fritts is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mrs. Ruby Moretz Fritts; one daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Norman E. Garland of Boone, NC; one grandson, Douglass Blake Garland and wife Leah of Pleasant Garden, NC; one granddaughter, Sonya Ann Winkler and husband Jeff of Boone, NC; five great grandchildren: Jackson and Lauren Garland, Hanna and Holden Hartzog and Jacob Winkler and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010 at the First Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Ricky Campbell, Minister Jim Hutchinson and Pastor Wynn Greer to officiate. Music will be under the direction of the First Baptist Church Choir. Military Honors and Interment will follow from the Sunset Memorial Park and will be accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. Active Pallbearers are: Jack Swift, Jack Cress, Sonny Stout, Bill Hughes, James Lefler, Harold Garland, Terry Thompson and Pat Greene. Honorary Pallbearers are: Bob Miller, Jay Woodards, Ray Payne, Blaine Stout, Nelson Gray, Roby Howard Jr. and Jack C. Cress. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Johnson County Rescue Squad, 203 Vandilla Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 or the American Legion, Johnson County Post No. 61, 854 Rhea Road, Mountain City, TN 37683. At other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 236 Shouns Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com . The family of Joseph M. Jake' Fritts has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church St., Mountain City, TN 37683.