Autry Fitzpatrick Obituary (1934 - 2014)

Mr. Autry Fitzpatrick, 80, of Gaithersburg MD, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, in Rockville MD. Mr. Fitzpatrick was born February 11, 1934 in Ethel, Arkansas, to the late Barner and Vernella Spears Fitzpatrick. Autry received his education from the Arkansas public school system. After graduation, Autry enlisted in the United States Navy and completed his tour of duty in 1954. Autry later moved to the Washington DC area where he worked at the Soldiers Home. Later in his career, Autry worked and retired from the City of Gaithersburg in 2012. Autry was devoted to his family and was always there when you needed him; he was a hard worker, kind, and a friend to many. Autry attended St. James AME Church in Bartonsville, MD under the leadership of the Rev. C. Michele Langston where he received spiritual guidance, prayer and communion. Autry is survived by a son, William E. (Butch) Diggs of Lawton, OK, four daughters, Esther Disney-Diggs, Mary Jane Disney, Dorothy Disney (Jimmie) Pennywell, all of Gaithersburg, MD and Joyce Disney Barnes of Germantown, MD; five sisters Marva Jeter of Charlotte SC, Helen Lane of Capital Heights MD, Mary (Wilbur) Johnson of Temple Hills MD, Freddie (Dexter) Jennings of Gardena, California and Ann Fitzpatrick of Markham, Illinois; grandchildren, Nathan Disney, Brittney Barnes, April Disney, Carlos Smallwood (Katina), David Jr., Eric, Derrick (Rena) Diggs, Aleta (Gary) Bell and Steven Griffith; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He will be remembered by devoted friends, Jimmie Pennywell, Ralph Harris, Lester Langston, Wilbur Johnson, Francis Frempong, Daniel Barnes, Donald Dawson, Gregory Plummer and the City of Gaithersburg crew. Autry was preceded in death by: the love of his life of 40 years, Florence G. Disney, son, Earl M. Disney, Jr.; brother, Dean Fitzpatrick, sister, Ruby Childs; son-in-law David Diggs Sr.; two brother-in-laws Charles Lee Childs and Spencer Jeter; sister in-law, Willie B. Fitzpatrick; and grandson Tony Lee Bowie. A public viewing will be held on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home, 110 W. South Street, Frederick, MD 21701. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, from 10 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service immediately following. Pastor C. Michele Langston officiating.