Elie Davis Fitzgerald

Elie “Lee” Davis Fitzgerald, 79, of Charlotte, NC, died Sunday, September 19, 2021. Through the blessing of Novant Hospice, he was at home surrounded by family when he left for his heavenly home. Lee was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 20, 1941, the son of Frank D. and Kathleen Silva Fitzgerald. He grew up there, graduating from Arroyo High School. While working at the park down the street from his future wife’s home, he met the lovely Ms. Glenda Brown, and they were married on April 22, 1963. On January 19, 1960, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In the Marines, he served as a sniper and was one of the first teams dispatched to Vietnam before the conflict officially began. While in the Marines, he played football for the base team and was so good, he was pursued by the LA Rams to join their development team as a receiver. Upon an honorable discharge, he returned to California, did some work in freight and ultimately went into education. In 1998, Lee and Glenda left California to join their children in North Carolina and they have been residents since. Lee enjoyed many things in life. In addition to playing sports, he enjoyed coaching football, basketball, and softball. In addition to coaching, his love of the game led him to even serve as a football referee. Lee was also a gifted singer and as part of his church family, worked as a choir director and assistant pastor for many years. When the outdoors called, Lee also enjoyed fishing, especially deep-sea fishing, and his gun collection. Most of all, Lee loved the time spent with family and friends. Lee is survived by his wife, Glenda, of Charlotte; three children: Deanna (Manuel) Cortez of Charlotte, Darrin (Irene) Fitzgerald of Charlotte and Donna (Larry) Walker of Mint Hill; Deanna’s daughter Michelle (Timothy) Hales and her children Makayla, Ethan, Logan, Mason; Deanna’s daughter Melissa (Russell) Nicholson and her children Christian, Carter, Callie; Deanna’s daughter Monique (Samuel) Donahue and her children Natalie, Aiden, Hailey, Valerie, Sarah Adelade, Samuel Adam; Darrin’s daughter Danielle (Oscar) Aguilar and her children Gabe and Nate; Darrin’s son Michael (Jamie) Fitzgerald and their child, Riley; Darrin’s daughter Jenna Fitzgerald; Donna’s daughter Rosalie (fiancé Jon Molina) Walker and her children: Anthony, Delsyn, Adriel, Daniel, Eli and Wyatt; Donna’s son Lawrence (Stephanie) Walker III and his children Brandon, Kenton and Triston; Donna’s daughter Brittany (Sam) Marmol and her child Kailee; Donna’s son Dominic (fiancé Shelly Kampta) Walker; Donna’s daughter Amanda Walker and her children Sarah, Jazzy and Angelina; Donna’s son Austin Walker and Donna’s son Justin. Lee is further survived by “his little girl”, aka “little dog”, Panda. Lee’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 26, from 1 to 2 pm at Laurel Baptist Church with services and USMC military honors to follow at 2 pm. Interment will take place Monday morning at Charlotte Memorial Gardens. Services at the church will be livestreamed and the link may be found on the church website, https://laurelbaptistchurch.com/

Elie Davis Fitzgerald

October 20, 1941 - September 19, 2021