Philip L. "Phil" Fitts

DANVILLE, Va. - Philip L. "Phil" Fitts, age 83, of 133 Wimbish Place, Danville and 173 Justice Lane, New Castle, PA, died Tuesday, January 13, 2004 in the Danville Regional Medical Center.

He was born in White Plains, N.Y. on May 3, 1920, a son of Robert Sydnor Fitts and Marion Beaird Fitts.

On December 20, 1941, he married the former Pauline "Polly" Parris who survives of the home.

Mr. Fitts was a Veteran of World War II and served the United States Army 741st Tank Battilion and was part of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy at Omaha Beach.

He was founder and owner of Phil Fitts Ford, Lincoln and Mercury automobile dealership in New Castle, PA.

Mr. Fitts was a past president of the Lions Club in New Castle. He was also an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite where he was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was a member of the Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church in New Castle.

In addition to his wife, Pauline "Polly" Parris Fitts, he is survived by a daughter, Patricia Fitts Pinckney and her husband Roy of Danville; a son, William Philip Fitts and his wife Pamela of New Castle, PA; a sister, Patricia Fitts Britt of Portsmouth, Va.; four grandchildren, Brittney Ann Fitts of New Castle, Jennifer Pinckney and Sean Pinckney, both of Danville and William Martin Fitts of New Castle; also several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Fitts was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Sydnor Fitts III and Nelson B. Fitts.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 16, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. from Townes Memorial Chapel by the Rev. Ralph McCormack and Dr. Charles La Placa. Interment will be in Highland Burial Park with Full Military Honors by American Legion Post 1097.

The family will receive friends at Townes Funeral Home Thursday, January 15, 2004 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and at other times will be at the residence, 133 Wimbish Place.

The family suggests that memorials may be given to your favorite charity, or to the D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, Va. 24523.