William Anderson Fitts Jr

William Anderson Fitts Jr., known to family and friends as Bill, passed away on August 31, 2026, in Greer, South Carolina, at the age of 70.

Bill was born on May 20, 1956, in Smyrna, Tennessee, to Hazel Fitts and William Anderson Fitts Sr. He was raised with strong family values that shaped the honest, hardworking, loving, and generous man he became. Throughout his life, Bill was known for his warm spirit, quick sense of humor, and quiet strength, as well as his willingness to lend a hand whenever someone needed him.

Bill spent 36 years as a manager at Gateway Supply Company, where he earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike through his dedication, dependability, and strong work ethic. He took great pride in his work, but even more so in the relationships he built along the way. Bill never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel like a friend. Whether you knew him for years or had only just met him, there was a good chance he would soon consider you a buddy.

Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He was the loving husband of Karen Fitts for 42 years, and their marriage was a lasting example of commitment, partnership, and care. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Katie Fitts Gernat and Kiley Huff, and a proud Papa to his three grandsons, Will, Luke, and Timmy, who brought him tremendous joy. Bill cherished time spent with his family and found great happiness in simply being present for their lives and milestones. He was a loving caretaker and a steady source of support, and those closest to him knew they could always count on him.

Bill enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life rich and meaningful. He especially loved spending time with his grandsons and also enjoyed golf, fly fishing, and classic cars. Whether he was on the golf course, near the water, admiring a classic car, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Bill knew how to appreciate the good things in life.

Those who knew Bill will remember a man who was honest, loving, kind, generous, selfless, hardworking, and always ready with a laugh. He gave freely of his time and himself, never looking for recognition in return. He had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome, and his humor could brighten any room. He was everybody’s buddy and the kind of man people were simply glad to know.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Karen Fitts; his daughters, Katie Fitts Gernat and her husband, Mark, and Kiley Huff; and his beloved grandsons, Will, Luke, and Timmy. He is also survived by his brother, Christopher Fitts, and Dee Dee; his sister-in-law, Paula Kendrick, and her husband, Bill; his brother-in-law, Hal Atkins, and his wife, Nita; his niece, Julie Merritt, and her husband, Marc, and their children, Blakely and Maddox; his niece, Gabby Zanzarella, and her husband, Jake; and his nephew, Chris Fitts, and his wife, Sara.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Fitts and William Anderson Fitts Sr.; his brother, Robert Fitts; and his nephew, Brandon Atkins.

Bill’s family and friends will forever hold close the memories of his kindness, his laughter, his generosity, and his steadfast love. His life was marked not by what he had, but by what he gave to his family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set and the love he gave will remain a lasting source of comfort and strength to all who knew him.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4th at Cross Roads Baptist Church, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 3:00 p.m.