of Little Rock, AR

December 31, 1965 - August 6, 2025

John Patrick Fitts (Pat), 59, passed from this earthly life into Heaven on August 6, 2025 at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock, AR after a lifetime of faithful service to his family, his state and above all, his Savior. He was born on December 31, 1965 to Donald Ray Fitts and Nelda Jane Self in Jacksonville, AR. He is a 1984 graduate of Jacksonville High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Wildlife Management from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR in 1989. That same year, he married Alice Lee Daniel of Marshall, AR and together they had an amazing adventure together.

Pat's life was a testament to impeccable character, quiet strength, servant leadership and a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. His love for the outdoors reflected his reverence for the Creator and he devoted over 36 years to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission protecting and stewarding the natural beauty of the state of Arkansas for generations to come.

Pat began his AGFC journey in high school, working as a fisheries technician at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke. After earning his degree in Fish and Wildlife Management at Arkansas Tech University, he returned to the agency where he would serve in nearly every capacity-fish culturalist, fisheries biologist, enforcement officer and eventually, Director. In 2018, Pat was appointed as the 18th Director of the AGFC, leading the Commission through major advancements in conservation, infrastructure renewal and public access. Among his many professional accolades, Pat was named Wildlife Officer of the Year in 2003, received the Life Saving Award for heroic action in the face of grave danger, earned the Outstanding Officer Award from the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners and he was honored as the Waterfowl Officer of the Year several times- along with many other recognitions that reflected both his skill and integrity.

Above all of his professional accomplishments, Pat's greatest passion was his faith and his family. A faithful servant of Christ, he was ordained as a deacon in 2010 at First Baptist Church of Hamburg. He also faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and AWANA leader. He raised his family to know, love and serve the Lord and he served as the spiritual leader of his home with integrity and unwavering conviction. Pat loved people deeply and served them well. He was a mentor to many-both in his profession and in his community-always ready to listen, guide and pour into the next generation. His humility, kindness, wisdom and generosity touched countless lives. Whether he was leading a team of officers, teaching children about Scripture or simply showing up for a neighbor in need, Pat lived a life of purpose, rooted in grace and love. Pat's wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest earthly joy and he cherished the life they lived together.

Pat lived with deep intentionality. He didn't just move through life-he showed up for it and for the people in it. Whether in conversation or in service, he was fully present and always loving people with purpose. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. His quick wit and joyful spirit could light up any room he entered. Pat's humor- gentle, sharp and perfectly timed-brought comfort in hard moments and laughter in everyday ones. He had a way of drawing people in, making them feel like they mattered, because to him, they did. He was a man who never wasted a moment and never let those around him forget how much they were loved.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Fitts of Little Rock; his son, Austin (Aubrey) of Monticello and his daughter, Audrey Kay Treat (John David) of Harrison; his grandchildren, Amelia (10) and Jack (3) of Monticello; his mother, Jane Dozier Self of Hot Springs; his father, Donald Ray Fitts of Pine Bluff; his sister, Lisa Joyner (Daren) of Pine Bluff; his sister-in-law, Laura Fitts of Conway and his mother-in-law, Alice Daniel of Marshall. He is also survived by a host of amazing aunts/uncles, brothers/sisters-in-law, his beloved nieces & nephews and a host of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Donald Joe Fitts, his maternal grandparents, Jack & Nelda Dozier, his paternal grandparents, Lonnie and Bunea Fitts and his father-in-law, George Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made online at www.agff.org/fitts or by mail to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. All donations will support the Foundation's "Get It For Game Wardens" program, which Pat was instrumental in founding during his time as Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com