Richard Franklin Fitzgerald, age 77, of Lavonia, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024 at AnMed Health in Anderson, SC.

Born April 29, 1946, in Atlanta, Ga. He attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Before retirement he was Vice President of Diazo Specialty Blueprint. He was a member of Lavonia First Baptist Church where he served on the deacon board and led his young adult Sunday School Class (Gift).

He is survived by his wife: Krista K. Fitzgerald; children: Christopher Fitzgerald -Milton, FL, Charles Fitzgerald Murray – Milton, GA, Kerri Jascomb (Kenny) – Lawrenceville, GA, Brian Keperling (Heather) – Athens, GA, Benjamin Keperling (Tracy) – Collierville, TN; grandchildren: Mackenzie Fitzgerald, Elliott Fitzgerald, Austin Murray, Kayela Murray, Will Jascomb, Kate Jascomb, Lochlan Keperling, Caden Keperling, Cora Keperling, Coby Keperling; sisters: Beverly Holton (Garry) – Canton, GA, Julie Keeter – Alpharetta, GA, Judy Fitzgerald (Rick Lewis) - Covington, GA; nieces & nephews: Garry Holton, Jr. (Skye) – Canton, GA, Laura Echerer (Phil) – Duluth, GA, Cheryl Adams (Steven) – Covington, GA, Dusty Holton – Canton, GA, Kaylan Lewis (Jacob) – Alpharetta, GA; numerous beloved great-nieces and great-nephews; mother-in-law: Lorraine Troxell – Williamsport, MD; sister-in-law: Wendy Ricedorf (Bernie) – Mechanicsburg, PA; brothers-in-law: Richard Troxell, III (Stacy) – Williamsport, MD, Timothy Troxell (Sue) - Hagerstown, MD.

Preceded in death by parents: Lydia and Franklin Fitzgerald – Dunwoody, GA; father-in-law: Richard H. Troxell, Jr. Williamsport, MD; brother-in-law: James P. Keeter – Alpharetta, GA.

The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Lavonia First Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Chitwood and Rev. Dr. Larry Finger officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.