Carroll Bruce Fitch, Jr.

Carroll Bruce Fitch, Jr., beloved father and doting grandfather, died on February 9, 2012, at the age of 71.

Born in Michigan and raised in New York City, Bruce married Ruth May Johnson in 1962. He earned a B.A. from Transylvania College in Lexington, KY, and a M.A. and Ph.D. in medieval Spanish literature from the University of Kentucky. During a 45-year career in academia, Dr. Fitch taught Spanish and other foreign languages at Transylvania College, North Georgia College, the University of Georgia, Brenau College, and Brenau Academy, from which he retired in 2009. For 25 years, he served as the yearbook advisor at the Academy. One of his enduring joys was leading student tours to Europe and Central America, where he also collected crafts by local artists.

He was a member of Spirit of Joy Christian Church of Flowery Branch, formerly First Christian Church of Gainesville. He also was a member of the Gainesville Chorale, now Voices of North Georgia, for more than 30 years, and he was active in the Gainesville Optimists Club, serving several times as a club officer.

Dr. Fitch was predeceased by his wife in 2008. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Dewhirst of Hall County, daughter Amy Fitch of New York, and granddaughters Rachel and Jessica Bond and Katie Anne Dewhirst. In addition, he is survived by a brother, Thomas Fitch of New Mexico, and two sisters, Susan Maley of California and Julia Moran of Michigan.

Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Sunday, February 12, 2012, in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home with Rev. Geren Dodson officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those wishing may send online condolences to www.littledavenport.com