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MARVIN FITTS Obituary

Marvin Fitts While at home in Cordova, Tennessee, in the early morning hours of Friday, December 20, 2013, Marvin Fitts, 87, suddenly passed into his new heavenly home. Marvin was born on December 1, 1926 in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. At age 17 he volunteered to join the U.S. Navy during WW II. Later he served again during the Korean War as chaplain on the USS Des Moines. His education from Union University, and Southwestern Baptist Seminary (Ed.D) prepared him well to serve his Lord in various ministries, including administration, teaching, music, and other ways. Marvin, along with his new bride, Jean, together were appointed as Southern Baptist missionaries in 1959 and served many special years in Costa Rica, Peru and Mexico. After retirement to Bartlett, Tennessee in 1990, Marvin continued to serve the Lord at both Ellendale Baptist Church and La Buena Esperanza (The Good Hope) Hispanic Baptist Church. During these years in Bartlett, countless hours were spent having wonderful times with family, friends, fishing, and in his garden. Marvin is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean Carlisle, his son Andrew of Seattle, Washington, his son Philip and wife Lisa of Memphis, Tennessee, his daughter, Janean and husband Edgar Cardenas of Xenia, Ohio, and his five precious grandchildren, Jenny, Drew, Christy, Jessica and Teresa. In addition, he is survived by four siblings, Lewis, Margaret Wages, Vernell Clement, and Peggy Wilson. The visitation and funeral service will be on Monday, December 23rd, at Ellendale Baptist Church. Visitation will be at 1:30 and the Funeral Service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at the Big Creek Cemetery, near Millington, Tennessee. Funeral arrangements are being made by the Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 North Germantown Road, Memphis, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ellendale Baptist Church, 3861 Broadway Road, Bartlett, Tennessee 38135 (designated for missions), or to the La Buena Esperanza Church, 1282 Berclair Road, Memphis Tennessee 38122. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net Memphis Funeral Home And Memorial Gardens 3700 N. Germantown Rd. 901-725-0100

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Dec. 22, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jean, our hearts go out to you and your family in the loss of your dear husband. Larry and I have fond memories of you and Marvin in Mexico and pray that the Lord will fill this void in your family. Love and prayers, Peggy & Larry Wakefield

December 30, 2013

For 24 years, I was so fortunate to call you 'Papi'. You were the greatest person I know! I know you are still with me and will help me through anything! I love you so much and I can't wait until the day I can hug you and tell you how much you mean to mean. Thank you for everything you have done! I will see you again!

Christina Cardenas

December 26, 2013

I know he is celebrating in heaven now. Easily one of the most admired of all my relatives, and that alone says alot. He and his family and the work they did always served to inspire me and my family.

Kevin Killough

December 26, 2013

God bless you as you continue to serve Him here. Fifty four marvelous years of unified service will provide strong memories. Your children and grandchildren will provide comfort. Your multitude of friends will provide love and companionship. Your Father and Savior will provide strength for each day.
Know you are in my prayers with love.

Pam Hicks

December 24, 2013

Dear Jean and family, our hearts go out to you at this time, as you are going through the pain of separation. But we share also the rejoicing in knowing that Marvin is now hearing in person the wonderful words, "Well done, good and faithful servant". We remember with much appreciation and admiration the work the Fitts family has done through the years.
Charles & Betty Alexander

December 23, 2013

Dear Jean,
I have many pleasant memories of you and Marvin. You have my deepest sympathy at this time of loss.

Fenwick Chappell

December 23, 2013

Dearest Fitts family, We loved and appreciated Marvin so much and we will greatly miss him. We are praying for you all during this time.

Hernan & Jennifer Gimenez

December 22, 2013

DEAREST JEAN;;;;OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY....I WILLL NOT BE ABLE TO COME ;;I;M STILLL ON A WALKING CANE. HAROLD & I HAVE BEEN IN DEEP WATER SINCE FEB.....WILL ALWAYS CHERISHED THE FEW MEMORIES WE MADE TOGETHER.....HE WAS HAPPY IN THE LORD...... ALICE BRAY SMITH....

December 22, 2013

Jean and family,
I am so sorry and felt so sad about Marvin when I read Janean's facebook entry. I don't know why because if anyone stayed ready to go it certainly was him. He was a very special and kind gentleman. I know that God will be very close to all of you at this time.
Marilyn Dickson

Marilyn Dickson

December 22, 2013

Prayers for the family.

Mark Clement

December 22, 2013

Dear Fitts Family,
We are so sorry and saddened by the loss of your loved one. We will keep you close in our thoughts and prayers, Heaven gained an angel. May the LORD's comfort be yours, in the the times you need HIM most. Love to all of you, Becki & Darrel Blackburn and family

Becki Blackburn

December 21, 2013

Dad: I knew this day would come but I didn't think it would be so quick. I'm grateful to have been your only daughter who will always love & miss you. Enjoy your first Christmas in heaven. Can't wait to see you again!

Janean Cardenas

December 21, 2013

Aunt Jean, Andrew, Philip & family, Janean & family, & all our family back home - our thoughts & prayers are with you at Uncle Marvin's Heavenly Homegoing. We're there with you in Spirit. Love & hugs, Rachel, Taylor, & Gary

Rachel Carlisle Benedict

December 21, 2013

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