Sr. Master Sergeant, William H. Fitzgerald, Jr., USAF (ret)

William (Bill/Fitz) Hansford Fitzgerald Jr., 59, Lynn Haven, Florida, born September 16, 1959. After an almost 5 year struggle with cancer then the effects of cancer treatment went to his heavenly home on May 5, 2019 at 10:56 PM. Bill was born at Eglin AFB, Florida to William and Julia (Walters) Fitzgerald, Sr. After his parents divorce, his mother was remarried to Jerry Wingler who was a strong influence on him throughout his life. After graduating Hampton High School Bill joined the Air Force. While in the Air Force, Bill earned several awards which includes two Meritorious Service Medals, six Air Force Commendation Medals, and three Air Force Achievement Medal, Winner of the “Top Scope” trophy; 1988 USAF “WILLIAM TELL” competition, Academic Achievement Award Recipient and Distinguished Graduate from the USAF Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and Honorably retired at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant / E-8 (24.5 years’ service). Before his retirement, he started on his second career of being a realtor. At the time of his passing he was a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Success Realty. During his time in the Air Force he received Senior NCO of the quarter at least once every year during his enlistment. His dedication for his country never wavered and also spilled over into his real estate. He became very passionate about his customers and how he could best serve them. His motto “Building friendships…One Home at a Time” continued to be his life’s work. He not only built friendships with his customers and colleagues he also built them all over the community in most every area. His devotion and loving friendships made him invaluable to his family, church family and community. He was extremely active in local politics and with Keller Williams outreach activities to continually rebuild and repair our local community so much so that in his last active year of real estate he received the Essential Piece Award. At Jenks Avenue Church of Christ, the congregation that he was so proud to be a member, where he met his wife Mary Ellen and married in 1994, and his zeal for serving continued. They became bible class teachers and Action Team Leaders. In 2015 they were awarded the Steadfast Award for their many years of dedicated service. His zest for life was contagious! His goal whether in life or in business was to be highly thought of, well liked, and able to serve others. He loved boating, traveling, the beach, and entertaining not only family and friends but opening his heart and home to clients and community. Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, four sons Sean (Stacy), Jonathan (Emma), Bryan and Cameron Fitzgerald. Three grandchildren, Cali, Connor and Ellie Fitzgerald. His mother Julia Wingler, three sisters Jenny (Jimmy) Simpkins, Anita (Mark) Dewitt, Lorri Anne (Edward) Barnett, two brothers Johnny Wingler and Rory Fitzgerald. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Friends will be received 6-8 pm Friday at the Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home where funeral services will take place 10 am Saturday. Interment will follow the service in Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery with Air Force Military Honors. Special love and appreciation to our family, church family, Gene/Rebekah Rivers of Keller Williams Success Realty, our dear friends Shawn/Tamara Marion and Larry/Barbara Christie for their continue love, support, encouragement and physical assistance. We could not have made it through this difficult journey without you. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lads to Leaders program at the Jenks Avenue Church of Christ. http://jenkschurchofchrist.com/ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

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