Birth Date: 01/12/1950
Deceased Date: 12/09/2020
Thomas Clark Fitzgerald, 70, passed away suddenly on December 9, 2020 at his home outside of Selma, NC.
Tommy was born in Smithfield on January 12, 1950 to the late Alton and Suzette Fitzgerald. In addition to his parents, “Tommy” is preceded in death by his brother, Duncan Fitzgerald.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Donna Browning Fitzgerald; son Jeff and wife Deanne of Dobson, NC; daughter Lisa Narron and husband Eric of Middlesex, NC; daughter Ashley Blevins and husband Corey of Smithfield, NC; daughter Amber Smith and husband Wes of Clayton, NC.; Grandchildren, Tyler, Lanie and Paxton Fitzgerald, Raegan, Logan and Jackson Narron, Harper and Calvin Smith, Piper, Andy and Drew Blevins; loving niece, Hayley Hodge of Kenly; sisters Evelyn Fitzgerald of Wilmington, NC; and Jeri Fitzgerald Board of Pinehurst, NC.; and many special nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tommy lived a full life and was loved by everyone who knew him. As owner and operator of the Grocery Bag for 47 years, he met many people, from all walks of life, and made a lifetime of friends. Working alongside his wife Donna was one of his greatest joys. Tommy” semi-retired several years ago, but still came to the store every morning to enjoy coffee, breakfast, and sometimes spirited conversation with the regular breakfast club crowd.
A Marine Corps veteran, Tommy exemplified all the qualities of a patriot. He loved his country, was proud of his military service and lifelong fraternity of fellow Marines, and was supportive of all veterans, regardless of their branch of service.
An avid collector of antique and classic cars, motorcycles, war relics, all things gas and oil related, and hoards of other “stuff,” Tommy was known by many people throughout the country, who shared his passion for these collectible items. He especially enjoyed touring his old cars with the AACA and Horseless Carriage Clubs, up and down the East Coast, always with Donna riding shotgun at his side.
Playing music and playing golf were two more of his passions, and he would drop whatever he was doing if asked to come join a group of musicians or golfers for a time of fellowship and performance.
For the past 20 years, he saw more of the country through the windshield of a motorhome than most folks will see in two lifetimes. Tommy and Donna shared an interest in travelling and camping, and made numerous friends along the way, travelling with some of these close friends as recently as October of this year.
Tommy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and devoted family man, who enjoyed spending time with his family during holidays, birthdays, all special occasions, and particularly at the family vacation home at White Lake NC. He spent countless hours teaching the children, grandchildren and friends how to water ski, knee board, and surf behind his boat.
Tommy leaves behind a lasting legacy as one who served his country, loved his family and friends, supported those in need, and gave God all the glory for the blessings bestowed upon him.
The family will receive friends Sunday, December 13, 2020 in the field behind The Grocery Bag (Percy Flowers Store) from 2:30 – 3:30 with a Celebration service immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Powhatan Free Will Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1955, Clayton, NC 27528 or the Johnston County Veteran’s Council, PO Box 1144, Smithfield, NC 27577.
