Pastor Roy Lee Fitzgerald, Sr. transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at his residence. He was born March 6, 1951 in Chatham, Virginia to the late Mr. & Mrs. Willie Fitzgerald. He attended and graduated from Northside High School, Gretna, VA where he was on the basketball team and played to win. He was united in holy matrimony to Marian Logan Fitzgerald on November 29, 1969 and moved to High Point, NC. He joined the Bell Grove Primitive Baptist Church in Chatham, Virginia. After moving to High Point, NC, he joined Gethsemane Baptist Church by letter in June of 1981. He was ordained as a Deacon in August of 1982. He taught Sunday School, Bible Study and Vacation Bible School.
Pastor Fitzgerald preached his initial sermon at Gethsemane Baptist Church in June of 1989 under the leadership of the late Pastor Ray McCluney. He served as Associate Minister here until December of 1992. Pastor Fitzgerald was installed as Pastor of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in January of 1993 and served faithfully for 32 years until his death. Pastor Fitzgerald’s past interest and service included President of the Ministers & Deacons Union and Vice Moderator of the Guilford Missionary Association, President of the High Point Minister’s Conference, Chairman of the Macedonia Resource Center and Facilitator at the Christian Couple’s Retreat and a lifetime member of the NAACP.
Under the leadership of Pastor Fitzgerald, Gethsemane Baptist Church was blessed to complete their “Reaching Beyond Our Walls” project, which is an ongoing ministry designed to assist families with home ownership. Gethsemane Baptist Church was also blessed to purchase several properties on Park and Grimes Street, as well as expanded their church parking lot. Several auxiliaries were organized under Pastor Fitzgerald’s leadership – noon day Bible Study, Praise Team, and the H.O.L.Y. Mime Team.
Pastor Fitzgerald was married to First Lady Marian Fitzgerald for 56 years. Because of the great excitement in their own marriage, they prayed that every couple could experience that same great joy. They have facilitated at the Couples Retreat in Virginia Beach for many years, and they have also facilitated at other marriage seminars at various churches. In 2014, Pastor and Sister Fitzgerald organized the first Gethsemane Baptist Church Marriage Retreat at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC.
He leaves to cherish his legacy and loving memories, his loving wife, Marian Fitzgerald of High Point, NC, one son, Roy (Wanda) Fitzgerald, Jr. of Kernersville, NC, one daughter, Shenika Green of High Point, NC, two grandsons, Chaney Fitzgerald and Josiah Green, one sister, Rosetta Musgrove of Oxon Hill, MD, one brother, Willie (Portia) Fitzgerald of Chatham, VA, two brothers-in-law, Lawrence Logan of Gretna, VA, Leroy (Marissa) of Temple Terrace, FL, two sisters-in-law, Evelyn (Toise) Davis of Gretna, VA, Lisa Walton of High Point, NC, one goddaughter, Lynn Ingram, their special bonus family, Steve, Themecia , Jowan and Javian Williams of High Point, NC, special cousins, Deacon Michael, Mary and Miles Thomas of Greensboro, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pastor Fitzgerald was preceded in death by his parents, Willie K. Fitzgerald and Rebecca Fitzgerald, one sister, Mary Frances Wingo, four brothers-in-law, Ken Wingo, Raymond Logan, Jr., Donziel Logan and Charlie Musgrove, Jr.
Funeral Service for Pastor Fitzgerald will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 401 Wise Avenue, High Point, NC. Interment will follow at Logan's Cemetery, Gretna, VA. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Gethsemane Baptist Church. This will be used for special projects for the church in honor of Pastor Roy L. Fitzgerald, Sr
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
A finer man will be hard to come by. He lived what he preached.
Reverend Roy was well known in the community with his dedication of good works to the ministry of his church, Gethsemane Baptist. I met Minister Roy in High School and he was always friendly and sociable to be around with a smile every time. And the last time I saw/spoke to him he was still the same. We can all salute him for he was indeed a 'genuine veteran servant' for the Lord. To my cousin, Marian, the children, his brother, Willie and sister, and the entire Fitzgerald family, and the church family, I extend my sincere sympathy to you all for your great loss. I will continue to lift you all in prayer. Isaiah 41:10: "I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Therefore, be assured that God will give you unwavering comfort, protection, and support during this trial time. Amen
Lovingly, Evangelist, Emily Davis
May God bless and keep his loving arms around you all. You have my heartfelt sympathy for such a time as this. Allow God to strengthen you with guidance, peace, and most of all love.
Love always Kim Williams
Sending my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Fitzgerald and Gethsemane Baptist Church Families in the passing of Reverend Roy Fitzgerald. Pastor Fitzgerald served several years as a board member of our CDC, where we cherished his wisdom and his faithfulness. Continued prayers for you all during this time of loss. Sylvia Collins
My memories of Roy Sr. go all the way back to my childhood. He was always very kind. He and our Cousin Marian were with us when our Mother passed away and I will never forget his uplifting words of encouragement and act of kindness. We send our deepest condolences to Marian, Roy Jr., and Shenika. Love the Davis Family
The Daniel Brooks Scholarship Committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Gethsemane Family, and we are forever grateful for the overwhelming support that Pastor Fitzgerald gave to our Scholarship efforts. His gracious acts certainly made a huge difference in the lives of our youth. + Bishop Tanny Wright Jr. President Daniel Brooks Scholarship Committee.
On behalf of myself and Elect Lady Wright and the entire Damascus Christian Family we offer our condolences to the Fitzgerald and Gethsemane Family during such a time as this. +Bishop Tanny Wright Jr.
So sorry to hear of Rev. FitZgerald's passing. Keeping you all in prayer. Love ShirlonBrown and family
We are praying your strength in the Lord.
My condolences to the Fitzgerald family. You are in my deepest prayer.
To Lady Fitzgerald,and the Gethsemane Church Family,...."Words cannot adequately express the loss my family and I suffer upon learning of my "friend " going HOME! ; Surely,.... a "Prince" has fallen! ; He was 2nd to none. Be strong in the Lord,and bye and bye,things will get better. Praying with you!
Rev Randall Baldwin San Antonio,Texas
To The Fitzgerald Family, Let it be known that Rev. Fitzgerald was a great leader and person. It was a joy to serve with him at The Guilford Educational and Missionary Baptist Association (GEMBA). His life inspired me to be a better Christian; and husband. His work on earth was "Well Done."
Prayers for Pastor Fitzgerald's family and church congregation. He will truly be missed but his legacy of service and devotion tothe Gospel of Christ will continue through his congregation and loved ones. He was truly a man of God who loved the Lord his loving wife and children as well as his church members.
2 Timothy 4:7 NLT [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
To Mother Fitzgerald I want you to know my prayers and condolences on behalf of Pastor Fitzgerald, went home to be with the Lord, I will truly miss his presence and the teaching he bestowed on his flock, his humility in all aspects and his love of you standing strong in his faith. My God comfort you and the entire Fitzgerald family. Sincerely, Sister Roslyn
To First Lady : We sorrow with you as our friend and faithful Brother has been called home. We know that the Lord will continue to be your strength and comfort. Pastor Roy served the Lord with diligence and wholeheartedness. We also thank God for you and how you faithfully supported him, as you both lived a God-honoring life. Our prayers are always with you. Love you much!💕
my sincerest heartfelt condolences.
Our hearts are heavy, but we are not as those who have no hope. We send prayers of comfort to Sis. Marion and the Gethsemane church family. Mt. Zion, Mary, and I will continue to lift you up, trusting that God is the God of comfort and peace (beyond understanding).
Pastor Frank (Mary) Thomas & Mt. Zion Baptist Church
I am so saddened to hear of cousin Roy Lee's passing. Sending my heartfelt condolences to our Family❤️
Praying for the family of Pastor Roy Fitzgerald. I pray that the Lord continues to comfort and strengthen you as only He can. 2 Cor.1:3 & 4
I will always thank God for pastor Fitzgerald for bringing me into the ministry at Gethsemanie Baptist Church. Great man of God!
Marian and Family deepest sympathies and condolences to your family at this time of loss. Prayers for comfort and strength. 🙏🏾
Lifting the Fitzgerald Family in prayer. My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pastor Fitzgerald. As we reflect on his life and legacy, may we find comfort in knowing that he lived with purpose, faith, and love. His work touched many, and his spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.
With deepest sympathy, Evelyn Smitherman
Hello To The Fitzgerald and Gethsemane BC Family:
Pastor Fitzgerald shall always be remembered as a Friend to all. We share fond memories of times we shared with The Fitzgerald and Gethsemane BC Family. We will always Love and Pray with and for one another. That's the way Pastor Fitzgerald taught and led us all.
Look up and trust God to keep and comfort us all. God Bless All!
Rev., Dr. Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green
Thinking of the family at this difficult time. May God bless the family and friends during this difficult time.
Sending prayers and condolences to the family that God will comfort and strengthen you today and days ahead
We all need to laugh a lot more to make up for Roy's laughs here in this life. He was so much fun to be around. Being a tarheel fan was Roy's only sin. I say that to imagine his outburst of laughter. He was a great man. May god bless Marian and their descendants forever.
Praying for the Fitzgerald Family From the Witherspoon Family
Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. God's word does not tell us how long our nights will be, but he assures us that morning and joy will come. Sending hugs and prayers to the family as you begin this new normal. May the God we provide you with peace and comfort. Stay safe. Live, live your life as if you want to live again. Irvin L Saunders
To the Fitzgerald family sorry for your loss signed by Gloria Robbins little
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.