Clyde W. Fitzgerald Jr.

Clyde Williams Fitzgerald, Jr.

Winston-Salem

Clyde Williams Fitzgerald, Jr. passed away on November 18th, 2018, at the age of 74 with his loving family by his side. In a stellar career in both corporate business and non-profit leadership that spanned 48 years, Clyde was a beloved figure in Winston-Salem for his dedication to the mission of feeding hungry people through his work as the President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father, a man of integrity, and dedicated community servant. He lived his life by the words he often shared, "It's always the right time to help somebody in need."

Clyde is survived by Carol Erckman Fitzgerald, his wife of 53 years; his son Gregory Fitzgerald and his wife, Eleanor Fitzgerald, of Austin, TX; his daughter Allison Fitzgerald Green and her husband, James Green of Mooresville, NC; his daughter Ansley Fitzgerald Forest of Asheville, NC; his five grandchildren, Jackson Green, Kiley Forest, William Green, Azalea Forest, and Blake Fitzgerald; and his brother, Harry Fitzgerald and his wife, Nancy, of Winston-Salem.

Clyde was born in Pensacola, FL, and grew up in Athens, GA. He was a standout athlete at Athens High School, playing quarterback for the football team and lettering in four varsity sports. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated with honors in 1966 with a degree in Business Administration. He was President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

In 1966 he married the former Carol Erckman of Atlanta, after meeting her at the University of Georgia.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force. He served as a supply officer and was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC, and at Osan Air Base in Korea during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1970 with the rank of captain.

Clyde began his career at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1970 as a Marketing Assistant and quickly moved up through the ranks. He served as President and CEO of RJR Puerto Rico, Senior Executive Vice President/RJR Tobacco USA, President and CEO/RJR MacDonald, Inc. in Toronto, Canada, and was on the RJR Board of Directors.

Following his retirement from RJR in 1989, Clyde worked as a business consultant to several local companies.

Clyde devoted his life to helping others and had a long history of involvement in numerous charitable activities and community organizations. He served in leadership capacities with the North Carolina Stroke Association, Salem Academy and College, The Prodigals Community, The Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, United Way of Forsyth County, Greater Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement of Puerto Rico, the Chi-Chi Rodriguez Children's Fund, and the Greater San Juan Committee, just to name a few. He served on the board for Piedmont Opera for 36 years and was the board chair for five years. He was a lifelong Rotarian and was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Clyde was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem for 45 years.

In 1987, he was honored by the government of Puerto Rico for his personal commitment to the arts and cultural activities for the benefit of the Puerto Rican people. He was the first, and remains the only, non-Puerto Rican to receive such an honor.

Clyde was deeply involved with Second Harvest Food Bank since its founding in 1982. For over 26 years, he served the organization as a board member, fundraiser, community advocate and as board chair for three separate terms. Clyde led the reestablishment of the North Carolina State Association of Feeding America Food Banks and served that organization's first two years as board chair.

In 2008, he took over as CEO of the Food Bank, working tirelessly to feed the hungry until his retirement in June of 2018. It was through his steady leadership and unbridled passion that Second Harvest was able to provide millions of meals to hungry people across 18 counties. Beyond that, it was Clyde's ability to enthusiastically spread the word about Second Harvest's mission that inspired thousands of others to donate food, money, and volunteer hours to join in the fight against hunger. The organization honored him with the establishment of the Clyde Fitzgerald Society, providing a way to contribute in his name.

In 2018, Clyde was presented with the state's highest honor by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, recognizing persons who have made significant contributions to the state and to their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

A lover of life, Clyde enjoyed rooting on his Georgia Bulldogs, mentoring young people, and spending time with his grandchildren, whom he adored. Many hours were spent at Grandfather Mountain with 'Poppa' teaching them to swim and play golf and taking part in the annual Fourth of July festivities.

Clyde was also an avid golfer, enjoying rounds with friends and family on the golf course at Old Town Club and his beloved Grandfather Mountain, where he served several terms as Club President.

The family wishes to thank family friend Nan Griswold and the wonderful staff at Baptist Hospital for all their loving care.

Clyde Fitzgerald's memorial service honoring a life well-lived will be held Monday, November 26th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 520 Summit Street in Winston-Salem. There will be a reception immediately following the service in the Colhoun Room. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations be made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina and to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com