Carlton H. Fritts

Carlton was born on September 30, 1928, in Batavia, New York, to Herman and Dorothy Fritts. He was a graduate of Alexander Central High School and studied gemology at New York State Agricultural & Technical Institute. Carlton was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as a Sergeant in the Signal Corps, United States Army, and member of the 501st Communication Reconnaissance Group. For his service, Carlton earned a Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant. After meeting the love of his life at Photostat in Rochester, NY, Carlton married Mary O'Brien on April 7, 1956. The couple was blessed with four children, Joseph, Robert, Suzanne, and Russell, who were raised in Fairport, New York, and Stone Mountain, Georgia. Carlton truly enjoyed a long career at Standard Office Systems where he retired as Vice President of Operations. After retirement, Carlton and Mary moved from Stone Mountain to Guntersville, Alabama, where they spent the next 26 years serving others. As active members of St. William Catholic Church, the couple was beloved by the members of their church and recently received the Sts. Peter and Paul Award from the Archdiocese of Birmingham for their faithful service to St. William Catholic Church. Carlton was known as the "King of Roux" after making many pots of Gumbo for St. William's annual Seafood Festival. Outside of church, Carlton enjoyed giving back to his community through the Marshall County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, where he completed tax returns for those in need. Known for his gentle spirit, sweet smile, & amazing chocolate chip cookies, Carlton leaves a legacy of deep faith, a love for family, and a passion for serving his community. Carlton was preceded in death by his son, Robert Fritts; his parents, Herman and Dorothy Fritts; his brother, William “Bill” Fritts; and his sister, Marilyn Niven. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Joseph Fritts, and wife, Jill, and Russell Fritts, and wife, Catreece; his daughter, Suzanne Alea, and husband, Danny; his daughter-in-love, Yuvette Fritts; his nine grandchildren, Zachary Fritts, and wife, Lindsay, Brien Fritts, and wife, Katherine, Spencer Fritts, Kylie Alea, Brandon Fritts, and wife, Devan, Samuel Fritts, Alex Alea, Adam Fritts, and wife, Courtney, and Matt Alea; and his three great-grandchildren, Olivia and Margaret Fritts and Britton Fritts. Funeral arrangements will be in private at a future time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Carlton Fritts to the Building Fund at St. William Catholic Church, 925 Gunter Ave., Guntersville, Alabama 35976