of Greenbrier, AR
December 27, 1962 - January 21, 2022
Donald Joe Fitts, 59, passed from this life and entered Heaven's Gates at 2:34 am on Friday, January 21st, 2022. Joe was born in Jacksonville, Arkansas on December 27th, 1962, to Donald Ray Fitts and Nelda Jane Dozier Self.
Joe graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1981. After high school, he attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas on a football scholarship. After leaving SAU, Joe moved to Dallas, Texas where he met and married the love of his life, Laura Toton Fitts. He moved his family to Conway, Arkansas in 1995. Joe was a loyal son, husband, father, brother, family member, and friend. He loved God, his family, baseball, the Razorbacks, cooking, hunting, fishing, and New Balance tennis shoes (probably in that order!). Joe was a wonderful husband and father who worked hard to give his family an amazing life.
Joe worked in the technology industry for 38 years, recently focusing on medical communication technology. He has friends and co-workers around the globe. Joe's love of sports became his passion as he began coaching competitive baseball in 2004. Coach Joe was renowned for his ability to encourage and inspire kids of all ages. All who knew him could tell you he was witty and always made those around him comfortable through laughter and casual conversation. He believed in his players and took time to attend individual life events like baptisms, signing days, graduations, etc. His trademark sayings, ''Do something good for somebody'' and ''Bear down and make a play,'' will live on in the hearts and minds of his family, his many former players, and their families. His presence on the field and off will be missed by so many people. He was an ambassador for the game, the young men who played for him, and for the Arkansas Express.
Joe is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John Pershing ''Jack'' Dozier and Nelda Barron Dozier and his paternal grandparents, Lonnie Ray Fitts and Buena Pyron Fitts. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laura Denise Toton Fitts; his three children, Jake Fitts, Shelby Fitts, Garrett Fitts, future son-in-law, Jace Neuhofel; his parents, Donald Ray Fitts and Nelda Jane Dozier Self; his brother, Pat (Alice) Fitts; his sister, Lisa (Daren) Joyner; brothers-in-law, Michael (Terri) Toton, Donald Moree, Tim Everett; sisters-in-law, Becki (Greg) Richards, Kathy (Roger) Graham; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, former and current baseball families, and many dear friends who will mourn his passing.
Visitation will be from 12:00 pm 8:00 pm on Friday, January 28th at Roller McNutt in Greenbrier. The family will be in attendance from 5:00 pm 8:00 pm. Funeral services will occur at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 29th, at Wooster First Baptist Church, 68 Church Circle, Wooster, AR 72181.
Honorary pall bearers will be Pat Fitts, Michael Toton, Daren Joyner, Austin Fitts, Kyle Joyner, Jace Neuhofel, Bernie Mallison, Tim Littleton, Robert ''Bubba'' Meek, Rolando Lazo, Greg Baxendale, Blake Baxendale, and all the coaches and players that he loved so much.
Memorials may be made to Wooster First Baptist Church, PO Box 218, Wooster, AR 72181, church's website is www.woosterfbc.org
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40 Condolence(s)
Jamie Murdock
Sunday, February 6, 2022
I’m so sorry for the passing of joe . He was a great guy . I worked with him on the weekends at Leon’s in 2000 -2002. He was always so encouraging , always spoke about God and when I was pregnant with my little boy he and his wife sent Dow bassinet , sheets and all kinds of stuff I needed . Always giving and kind . I hoped to see him again one day but left Arkansas . But we have a promise to meet again in our heavenly home . I look forward to that one day . Praying for his wife and children. His mom sister brother and Mr.Don
Alison Davis Mullen
Friday, January 28, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Joe in Jacksonville and always such a nice and talented guy. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this very difficult time.
Lauren Woody
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Dear Fitts family,
When I called Coach to see if he would began working with my 7 year old son, Jude McKnight, he asked me several questions.
1) Does he listen well?
2) Is he the oldest child?
3) Does he practice on his own?
As Coach and I got to know each other at Jude's lessons, I learned why he asked these specific questions. He always had a reason or some type of research/analytics for everything he did with Jude during lessons. As a psychological examiner, I loved to pick his brain on why he did certain things and the reasoning behind his decisions. He never failed to amaze me with his knowledge and let me bother him with all of my questions...and their were many.
Jake and Garrett,
Jude is absolutely heart-broken for you. He asked me to "tell Coach Jake, Coach Garrett, and their mama and sister that I have been praying for their family."
The Fitts men have mentored and touched my Jude's life in a way that has grown him as a person and as a baseball player.
We love you all and yall have constantly been on our minds and in our prayers.
Jude has decided that he will now work out, practice, and play even harder because "Coach is watching me from heaven and I want to make him proud."
Greg Baxendale - Arkansas EXPRESD
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Joe was the most loyal friend. He was an outstanding coach. He impacted my life as an integral part of Arkansas EXPRESS Baseball. The entire Fitts clan is like family. I’ll miss him being in the dugout and I’ll miss our 2+ hour calls we had 3-4X every week.
Prayers to all that knew Joe.
We lost a legend but his legacy will live on in all of us.
RIP my Brother. I love you
#everybodylovesCoachJoe
34
Bax
Jay and Kay Smith
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Laura, Jake, Family, we are so saddened by your loss. We will always fondly remember "Coach Joe" and the lessons learned both on and off the ball fields. And the trips, hotels, meals we shared along the way. Including when "someone forgot the team brain...." Mostly we appreciate the opportunities and faith bestowed on our son, Alex. Our lives could have never been the same without Joe.
From the depths of our hearts thank you for letting us spend so much time with him.
May God bless and keep you all.
Jay and Kay
Rudy Torres
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. May God provide the loved ones cimfort as they lay him to rest. Sincere condolences
Rudy Torres
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. May God provide the loved ones cimfort as they lay him to rest. Sincere condolences
Karen Smart Hall
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Pete, Jane, Lisa, Pat, Laura, Jake, Shelby and Garrett and extended family. I am so sorry for the loss of Joey. He was a good person and impacted so many lives. He will be missed. May the good memories of him carry you through this difficult time.
Becki L
Monday, January 24, 2022
May you rest in Heavenly peace. Praying for Laura and the family.
Your favorite nurse😢
Stephanie Hopkins Martin
Monday, January 24, 2022
No one like him. So glad we met at Antioch in Conway. I grew having him heckle me on the praise team. Our friendship continuesd deeper. We talked baseball during business luncheons. He was the best. Love you coach!
Debbie Lambert
Monday, January 24, 2022
Precious Fitts family, love you so much and I pray God is holding you in his loving arms.
Marcus Jurecka
Monday, January 24, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Fitts family for your loss. Joe was a great man, and although we just knew him from a baseball standpoint, some of the life lessons that he taught our son will stay with him forever. He impacted so many young men and really helped to shape their futures in a positive way. You will be greatly missed but are in a much better place now. Rest In Peace.
The Jurecka Family
Greenwood, AR
DR-MRS GEORGE McCrary
Monday, January 24, 2022
Joe, we have known and loved you and your family for so many years, when we lived in the Jacksonville and Cabot, Arkansas areas. We have been praying for you for so long, but it was not for you to stay on this earth. We were so shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. God called you Home sooner that we thought He would. To Laura and your children and families, our hearts are broken for you all. The only consolation now is knowing that Joe is now in The Sweet Arms of Jesus. We will always love Joe ,and will never forget him. We are sending much love and many prayers to you all.
Love and Prayers,
Dr. Mc and Mary Ann McCrary, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Punkin
Monday, January 24, 2022
You will always be remembered in my heart!! May great memories!â¤
Sheila Davenport Wilson
Monday, January 24, 2022
Joey was always a fun guy with a great since of humor. This breaks my heart â¤ï¸ for his family. He was taken too soon and know he will be missed by all. I feel honored to have known him in his younger years and love reading all the nice comments of his friends, coworkers, and family. But mostly I love reading he is one of God’s children and is in Heaven. Praying for all who will miss him in this life.
Todd Stevenson
Monday, January 24, 2022
Joe coached both of my boys in baseball. He not only taught them the game but life lessons. Some of my fondest memories were spent at the baseball fields with him. He always lit up the room with his smile & upbeat personality. He will truly be missed. Our prayers are with you Laura, Jake, Shelby, & Garrett.
Scott Turner
Monday, January 24, 2022
I wanted to send my condolences and tell everyone that I only knew Joe for a very
short period of time, but that time I will never forget. Joe was kind, professional, and a Man’s Man! He was a person you could talk to all day long, because of his love for his work, college football, baseball, but more importantly anyone could tell after meeting him he loved his family and God dearly! RIP Joe!!
Marvin Hence
Monday, January 24, 2022
To the family My condolences To Joe you are and always will be a great man your word you left me when we first met on the baseball field years ago I will always teach. You embrace me the first time we met after hearing all the noise. Just to find out you was great at what you do and people got Intimidated by your greatnessâš¾ï¸ You will forever live in the HenceBoys heart bro Fly High My GUYâ¤ï¸
Lisa Moon
Monday, January 24, 2022
Joe was a great friend and one of the best in our technology sector at solving difficult problems that impact patient care and services. He was a giant of a man. He was one of my closest business partners. We spoke weekly and sometimes more often if there was a complex issue to solve for a client. I can't thank Laura and the kids enough for sharing Joe with the rest of us. Joe leaves a legacy of meaningful contribution that will not be easily forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.
Dr. Lisa Moon, PhD, RN, LHIT
Ray & Jill Stow
Monday, January 24, 2022
We are so sorry for all of you on the loss of Joe. Please know that we will continue our prayers for you and yours. The only scars in Heaven are on the Hands that are holding Joe.
Ray and Jill Stow
Ralph Rhodes
Monday, January 24, 2022
I worked with Joe back in the early nineties and he was always a team player and got along with everyone. He mentored and encouraged everyone to be their best and he went out of his way to insure they were successful. He treated everyone like they were family and will be sorely missed. Prayers go out to his family and love ones.
Brenda D Bray
Monday, January 24, 2022
Laura and Kids, I am so sorry to learn of Joe's passing. I pray for you and the children. I know God will give you the strength and comfort you will need in the coming days. May God bless you. Brenda Bray
Rhonda Pearce
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Laura, Jake, Shelby and Garrett,
Praying for all of you during this time. May the Lord comfort you with His peace as only He can.
Cherish all the wonderful memories and know that you are all loved!
Jennifer Epps
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Deepest sympathy for the Fitts family and friends. Joe was always so kind to me whenever I saw him. I’m so sorry for his passing but so grateful I was able to know him. Laura- I love you my friend! I will continue to pray for you, your family, and friends.
Steve and Rhonda Black
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Prayers and love in our hearts for your loss.
Tannie Curtis Harvey
Sunday, January 23, 2022
So so sorry 🥲. Gone to soon! He fought hard‼ï¸
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Randy Wilde
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Jodi Conley Long
Sunday, January 23, 2022
So very sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. I will keep your family in my prayers. I enjoyed reading about his life. It sounds like he made a beautiful impact on those he knew. Incredible life. Love and prayers to your family
Regina Wilson
Sunday, January 23, 2022
So very sorry for your families loss. Prayers for you all ðŸ™
Rodney Purtle
Sunday, January 23, 2022
You will be missed Coach.
Steve and Robin King
Sunday, January 23, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Hensley
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Prayers and condolences for your loss.
Rob Morton
Sunday, January 23, 2022
My sincere condolences to Pat and Alice Lee and all the Fitts families. I pray for your comfort and understanding in this time of your loss.
Cody, Erica, and Kids
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Praying for all of you! Joe was a huge influence on our son during his journey with Express. #choochoo
Kemal Beach
Sunday, January 23, 2022
God Bless Y’all. Coach meant so much to Kooper and our entire family. He made such an impact on our son.
James Rouse
Sunday, January 23, 2022
A great person. Loved by all
Toni Swinton-Foy
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Take your rest Classmate, We will meet again on the other side. JHS Class Vic-President...Toni Swinton
Leah Needham
Sunday, January 23, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace for your entire family.
Phil-Inez Barnes
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Our condolences Pat & Alice. May God be with your family.
Phil/Inez
Patty Callaway
Sunday, January 23, 2022
I have many fond memories of Coach Joe and our Conway Cats baseball family. That’s what we were for several years…family. Laura, Jake, Shelby, and Garrett you are all in my prayers. Joe was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed.