Gary Stephen Fritts

FRITTS, Gary Stephen Mst/Sgt. Sunrise....March 8, 1948 Sunset....July 15, 2014 Mst/Sgt. Gary Stephen Fritts went to be with the Lord Jesus on 7-15-14 after a long and courageous battle with Congestive Heart Failure. He leaves behind the Love of his Life, Donna (Billups), who loved & adored him with all her Heart & Soul. Also his precious Black cat, Sasha. Stephen & Donna loved to travel. In their 37 yrs of marriage they had wonderful Adventures in 50+ Countries & most of the U.S.A. Some of the favorite countries being, Israel (where a Tree was planted in their Honor), Turkey, Africa, Egypt, Russia, Jordon (lost City of Petra), Eastern Europe & especially Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. They sailed to Norway on the Queen Victoria & England to New York on the QE II. They also loved to Snow Ski at Heavenly Valley, Lake Tahoe & Banff Springs, Canada. Stephen was born in Lenoir City, Tenn. to Ralph & Velma Fritts. Stephen attended the Univ. of Tenn. In 1968 he enlisted in the Air Force where he was trained in electronics & his first assignment was in the organization that was responsible for detecting & collecting nuclear detonations world wide. His initial duties were to fly as an aircrew member collecting debris from these nuclear events. Stephen continued these airborne duties for 15 years until health issues grounded him & he transferred within AFTAC to become a laboratory analyst & retired after 24 years of active service. Steve was a designated Chief Airman aircrew member with over 3000 flight hours & the recipient of numerous personal awards for Outstanding Performances, Achievements & Commendations to include three Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals for Meritorious Achievement while Participating in Aerial Flight. Steve loved the Air Force & had a passion for all things involving flight & space. During his career he was involved in numerous missions in support of NASA Space Shuttle launches. His aircrew member assignments whetted his appetite for aviation & he devoted much of his retirement to Research and became deeply involved in the Aerospace Museum of California. Working voluntarily at the museum as crew chief for their F-104 Starfighter. He loaned many of his personal aviation memorabilia to enhance the static display of the F-104. Steve also served as Secretary of the Museum's Board of Directors. He served with Distinction. After retiring from the Air Force he received a Masters Degree in Computer Science from National University - "Cum Laude" He was employed by the County of Sacto. for 10 years as an I.T. Manager with Health & Human Services. Stephen also leaves, Son, Col. John A. Nicholson, USMC, Ret. (Madeline), Grandchildren, Ashley, Courtney & Logan. Sisters, Patricia Bennett (John), Sandra Fritts, Brother, Archie (Beverly) in TN & Many Beloved Nieces & Nephews. (Nephew: Sgt. Grant Bennett USAF spent much time with Uncle Stephen) Funeral Services, with "Military Honors" will be held at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd. Fair Oaks, CA Friday, Aug 1st at 11:00 AM. Reception to follow. A small intimate Service of Inurnement will follow on Mon. Aug. 4th at the National Military Cemetery in Dixon at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers you may donate to "Heart Assoc." Or "Wounded Warriors". . My Darlin' Sweetheart Stephen, My Angel for 37 yrs. I have no doubt that God in His precious benevolence will see that you & I will be together in His Heaven & Glory. Sweetheart, as Always, I will Love You for All Eternity -- Until we meet again -- I Love You!!