George Keres Fite, Jr.
April 15, 1956 ~ June 24, 2019
George Keres Fite, Jr. was born in Tyler, Texas April 15, 1956 to Oreeta Nelson Fite and George K. Fite, Sr. The family moved back to Hughes Springs when he was five years old and George has lived here ever since.
George is a 1974 graduate of Hughes Springs High School and a 1979 graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. He married his college sweetheart, Pamela Penn, in May 1977 prior to his graduation. George taught high school biology for one year at Daingerfield High School before taking a position at Lone Star Steel in the Personnel Department where he worked until 1985. In December 1985, George took the position of Hughes Springs City Manager and served in this role for the past 33 years.
During George’s tenure as City Manager, he dedicated himself to making Hughes Springs a progressive and attractive place to live. He wrote and was awarded grants in excess of 18 million dollars to build new city parks and an outdoor movie amphitheater, replace multiple dilapidated homes for citizens in need, improve the city’s water/waste water facilities, and resurface city streets. Each of these improvements occurred at no cost to Hughes Springs citizens due to these grants. George worked alongside city staff members and the local economic development corporation to restore buildings to house 8 local businesses and replace sidewalks and lighting in the downtown area. One of the most unique projects this group undertook was overseeing the construction of the Legacy Event Center which attracts many outside visitors to host or attend events in Hughes Springs.
George received multiple awards during his time as City Manager including: The Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year on two separate occasions, The Masonic Lodge Community Builder Award, and SWEPCO’s Outstanding Economic Development Award. He was President of the Association of Rural Communities in Texas, a statewide organization promoting rural economics, for 10 years. George loved Wildflower Trails and served as Chairman of the local Wildflower Trails of Texas committee for 30 years helping to make the event a yearly staple for many East Texans.
George has been member of First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs for over 50 years and a deacon for 20 years. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 11 when Rev. R.G. Lee preached a revival at the Spring Park. George loved his church family dearly and served on almost every committee in the church. He attended faithfully and might have given you an ultimatum if you didn’t.
When he wasn’t devoting time to his community or church, George enjoyed 42 years in the cattle business, as well as his outside hobbies including vegetable gardening, flower gardening, especially roses and day lilies, landscaping and managing the Fite Farm. George loved making things look beautiful and he had an eye like no one else. Christmas was his favorite time of year and he had a talent for arranging Christmas decorations. He was a talented artist and won multiple awards in local art shows with his beautiful water color paintings.
Probably more than anything else, George loved to help people. From just sitting and talking to all-out lecturing, he would give his time, effort and talents to guide/help you with any issue you might be facing. George rarely cut anyone much slack, especially if they weren’t doing the right thing or didn’t put the Lord first. George loved spending time with his boys on the farm and cherished all moments with them and their family as adults. Monthly dinners at his home will continue, but they will not be the same.
George is survived by his wife of 42 years, Pamela Penn Fite and his three sons and their spouses, George Keres Fite, III and wife, Katie Anderson Fite, Dr. Harold Erik Fite and wife, Rebecca Weathers Fite, and Dr. Jordan Kent Fite, wife, Dr. Laura Paul Fite; by his grandchildren Ava True Fite, George Keres Fite, IV, Garrett Mitchell Fite, Pamela Drew Fite, Farrah Jane Fite, and Frances Jean Fite; and a host of cousins, including very close cousin, Marcia Nell Lee who is more like a sister; and adopted family member, Nancy (NanNan) Loyd. George’s family also included the City of Hughes Springs staff, many of whom worked with him for over 20 years.
To say he will be missed is an understatement, but the mark he left on this town and all of us will remain for years to come.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2019 at the Hughes Springs High School Auditorium. Burial will follow at Hughes Springs Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation from 5:30 until 7:30 Thursday evening in the Christian Life Center of the First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs.
Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church: P.O. BOX 787, Hughes Springs, Texas 75656.
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We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I'm so sorry. I'm praying for you, Pam, and all your family. Jesus, hold and carry this Family as they face the days ahead. Comfort and give strength and direction to Pam and all the family. I hold the memories of George close. He was a great Christian man. I enjoyed working with him on a few events and Christmas. 💔
I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GEORGE'S PASSING. HE'S THE FIRST KID I MET WHEN I CAME TO HS IN 1ST GRADE. HE WAS APPOINTED TO SHOW ME WHERE TO GO MY FIRST DAY. HE WAS A SWEETHEART THEN, AND STILL WAS AS AN ADULT. HIS MAMA WOULDA TORE HIM UP IF HE WASN'T. LOL. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY AND RIP, GEORGE…
Will miss you George, alot. You were a good friend.
George's family are all in my prayers. So many good memories flood my soul. George and I went steady in the 6th grade. He gave me his ID bracelet. I had long hair to my waist then one day my Mom takes me to get my hair cut into a short, short pixie. The next morning at school, George stomps up to me and asks for his ID bracelet back "because I didn't tell him I was cutting my hair". Ha! I've had long hair ever since and I'm in my 60s! I was afraid in later years if I cut my hair I'd have to give back the car, the house, the jewelry etc! Ha! So many good memories of George and his family. We lived in the same neighborhood when his Dad was alive even before his sweet Mom became our favorite teacher. George even had a pet goat named Natalie. We sure loved that goat. My heart breaks for George's family. I am sending all of you prayers of comfort during this difficult time.
Praying for you all.
So sorry George was so good to Cole at LSS when he was in the apprenticeship. Will never forget his care for people or his love for Hughes Springs. Prayers for all of you Pam, boys ,daughters in law and grand babies.
Pam, Keris, Eric, Kent and families, We are so sad to hear about George’s passing today. We send our love and prayers to you all.
Sorry to hear of the home going of George!!! Praying for the entire family!
Prayers for the family my heart goes out to you Pam just know he is at home with our FATHER dancing and singing and looking over you and your family FLY HIGH GEORGE
I've known this guy for many many years need a wonderful person and I am so sorry that we have lost a wonderful person ham and family my prayers in my thoughts are always with you I'm so sorry to hear we have lost this person it goes deep into my heart I know he is with God now and he has his way with cuz he was a very very good person I am going to miss him so much thank you Brenda
Sorry for your loss
You will be missed George. Prayers for all your family and friends.
Mr. George Fite was my Sunday school teacher during my elementary years at FBC Hughes Springs. I remember learning the books of the Bible in his Sunday School Class. I am thankful for him being a part of teaching me about God's word as a child in Sunday School and my growing up years at FBC Hughes Springs. May God Bless the family in this time of loss.
Much too soon, the town of Hughes Springs, Texas, has lost one of its most valuable citizens. A mover and shaker, the likes of which few communities are blessed to have. He was also a fine artist. We will all miss George. RIP Mr. Fite.
Prayers for George and family.
I'm thinking of the entire Fite family during this time of sorrow. I know it's a difficult time and I'm praying for peace for your family. George will be greatly missed.
George watched over the town of Hughes Springs and its elderly whether they belonged to his church or not. He loved the town where he lived and tried to make it a better place for everyone. George we will miss you walking up to our door to chat or calling us on the telephone. Our prayers now remain with your family and their loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I truly enjoyed my time getting to know George. I knew when I was having a rough day, I could always go to his office and he would make me laugh!
Mr. Fite always called me Dev, which is something only my close friends and family call me. I loved him like my own family member and am forever grateful I got to know him and his sweet wife. I will continue to pray for the Fite family through this awful time.
George will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I have received the message and have responded. I will learn time of service as soon as possible. George was one of my students in Hughes Springs High, long ago. I am very sorry to have such a sad parting. We are Mr. and Mrs. Gene Brown, now living in Longview in Hawkins Creek Assisted Living home.
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thought are with you.
So sorry to hear of this great loss. George was such a great person and friend. Prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
George was one that you would never forget, he didn't see race. If you show yourself trustworthy, you had a friend for life. I am going to miss him. I say to the family of Mr. Fite, you have my condolences. When you start feeling sad think of that SMILE
Only received this message late Monday evening. It breaks my heart to read this. I am with you in my heart if not able to be there in person.
Worked with George many years ago at LSS and have been friends for over 40 years and I will treasure that friendship. Always a smile and when I needed any help or needed an answer to a question…George came through. You will be missed by many my friend, God Bless your family at this time and Thank You for your friendship.
George Fite is among the true great ones of Hughes Springs’ history. His talent, leadership, vision and hard work have made his home town and all of ours a much better place to live and visit. May God bless the Fite family his many friends in this time of sorrow. With love to each of you
Sending prayers for all of the family. George was a great person. If you ever got the chance to meet him you never forgot him. Rest in Peace My Friend.
A great loss for our community. May God Bless you George.
I'm going to miss my friend so much and our many talks. We have lost a good man and God has received a good man. Rest in Peace my friend.
George was so special to me and to Bruce. It was always a pleasure to work with him and be to be delighted/excited by his ideas. So much that he did impacted the town and us. His touch will be felt for many years as will his loss. It was a blessing to know him.
My heart is broken for the loss of my friend from this earthly life, especially for Pam, the kids and grandbabies. George & Pam's house was a favorite place for my son, Justin, to spend time with Keres & Erik. He has wonderful memories of being there and loved George very much. I have read beautiful words from so many and I find it difficult to express the sorrow, but I know George is in the presence of the Lord and he would wish for all to know Jesus personally too. What an amazing man George has been, a wonderful life lived, devoting himself to endless improvement projects and just making everyone feel loved and like they matter. He didn't beat around the bush and you knew where he stood, which was one of his many endearing qualities. Thank you for being such a sweet, caring friend George. You are missed and will not be forgotten. I know you are making Heaven even more beautiful….see you again some sweet day!
George Fite will truely be missed by those that love how Hughes Springs has stayed "home" to those that have left. His eye on the community will continue to be felt for years to come.
Bless his family, that they remember his biggest legacy, that 1st of his faith in his Savior and then his love for his family and community.
God bless the Fite family and H.S.
Your family will always have a special place in my heart. Our last conversation was that ‘we are family now.’ May God give peace and comfort to everyone that is hurting, and wrap His loving arms around each of you. Heaven became an even more beautiful place, having your sweet soul there.
I had the honor to work with George while serving on the Texas Forest Trail Region Board. Not only was George a great colleague, but he was a wonderland mentor and friend.. George was a true advocate for rural tourism…He will be truly missed by all of us here is in East Texas..My heart breaks for George's family. I am sending all of you prayers of comfort during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss, Pam and your family. We pray for peace and comfort from the Lord during this time of your loss. God bless you all.
Our office staff thoroughly enjoyed working with George in bringing funding to the City of Hughes Springs. He was an awesome gentleman and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to his family, the City of Hughes Springs, and all of his friends.
George will be missed, It was an honor knowing him. Continued prayers for the family.
I am so heartbroken at the loss of a sweet, kind gentleman who changed so many lives with his laughter & genuine love of life. I know his sweet wife, Pam, will have many low times in the coming days, but my thoughts & prayers are with her. George, there will be NO ONE who can fill your shoes as the BEST CITY MANAGER in the State. You have left a legacy like no other. I miss you, dear friend.
We are so saddened by the death of George. Larry enjoyed working with him through the years on county projects, community council, and headstart. He says that if the world was full of George Fites there would be no problems.
My sincerest condolences to George's immediate family, Pamela and children.
My wife and I worked with Mrs. Fite for many years in the public schools and were acquainted well with George. My wife and children appreciated the hospitality of the Fites in their home in Hughes Springs. In addition to being a loving husband and father, George gave so much to the quality of life in Hughes Springs and Cass County.