Willie Ray Fitten's Obituary
Bishop Willie Ray Fitten, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 2021. He completed his mission on earth doing what he loved most: serving the Lord. Bishop was born February 1, 1932, to the late Essie Fitten and Sam Fitten in Dadeville, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Marcellus, Grady, Rayfus, Hershel, and sister Lela.
At the age of 19, Bishop was drafted by the United States Army where he served his country in the Korean War later receiving an honorable discharge. During his time in the army he promised God that if He brought him home safely, he would dedicate his life to God. And that is exactly what he did up to his last breath.
Bishop dedicated 66 years of his life in ministry serving God and others. The year 1954 shaped the course of Bishop’s life and future forever. He went to Cleveland, Ohio to spend time with his aunt and uncle Elder Elijah and Sister Clark. During his stay with them, Bishop was baptized and received a gift of the Holy Ghost under the ministry of the late Elder Clark at St. Luke Church of God. In 1959 Bishop met and married his wife Vergie. Together, the couple began their journey as a team, building a relationship with God and performing His work. In 1960 the couple fellowshipped with the late Bishop John Gales; then in 1963, they became members of Pilgrim Rest Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ (PRACJC) headed by the late Bishop Lawrence Banks in Akron, Ohio. It was there that Bishop met his spiritual parents the late Mother Annie D. and Elder Earnest Roper. During his fellowship at PRACJC, Bishop received a call from God to preach and thus began his journey as a minister. Later, he was ordained to Elder in the church. He took great pleasure in ministering, serving others, and encouraging all to save their souls.
The year 1968 was another pivotal moment in Bishop’s life. Bishop founded The True Way Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ on February 6, 1968, in Akron, Ohio. Together with his wife, the new pastor worked faithfully to spread the Word of God by fulfilling the church’s purpose/mission. His ministry encompassed a diverse congregation leading many to Christ. By December 1971, the church had expanded. Bishop opened a second church which was located in Cleveland, Ohio. At one point, the Bishop and his young sons formed a gospel singing group known as The Five Harmonizers.
In 1973 the young elder was consecrated Bishop. Over the next six years, he would establish an additional seven churches throughout Northeast Ohio, and beyond, to carry on the purpose of the first True Way Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ Incorporated. Locations included Niles, Ohio; Youngstown, Ohio; Chagrin Falls, Ohio; and Selma, Alabama. While in Cleveland, Ohio he owned a bowling alley and game room; troubled and destitute teens, as well as others, would come to learn about the goodness of the Lord. By the spring of 1978, he had relocated his family to Blountstown, Florida where he continued God’s work by starting his eighth church.
Bishop became a pillar of hope in the communities wherever God sent him. His character and demeanor were displayed with tact and diplomacy. He had an innate ability to converse with individuals from all walks of life.
During his ministry in the late 1980s, while living in the Hugh Creek Community of Blountstown, Florida, he navigated through many issues in the community. Bishop understood the struggles of racial injustices of the South as he worked for reconciliation on behalf of both county officials and the citizens of Hugh Creek Community. He was influential in the establishment of policies that improved the lives of many in the community. His commitment to do God’s will and serve others was evident as he worked with various county officials to organize the implementation of a home improvement grant. Many citizens were reluctant to trust officials due to the historical injustices placed upon past generations. However, Bishop was able to persuade the citizens to accept the grant so they would have homes with adequate access to indoor plumbing and toilets. He worked with community leaders to establish the Government Commodity Program which provided supplemental food for citizens in need. Each month you could find Bishop helping to distribute commodities to those in need. His character and walk with God gave him favor with community leaders which allowed him to be instrumental in the election of the first African American to serve as county commissioner in Blountstown, Florida. Later he donated four acres of land to the community to establish a playground and community store. That same store later became the Hugh Creek Branch Library and sits at the corner of Fitten Road and Highway 69 -- a road named in honor of his service and commitment to serving others.
Farming was another talent that Bishop used to serve the Lord and others. He was a great provider for his family. While living in Ohio and Florida he tilled the earth harvesting fruits, vegetables, and maintaining livestock. He readily shared his crops and livestock with the members of the church and the community.
Throughout his ministry in Quincy, Florida, Bishop continued to serve God and his community, as he worked in the prison ministry.
He became an advocate for others by attending court hearings with individuals to help reduce sentences and jail time for first-time offenders. Bishop’s life was a true testament of a faithful servant. His final church, for which he remained pastor until his passing, is located at 1811 Mainline Drive, Quincy, Florida. Bishop’s last sermon was on May 2, 2021.
Bishop leaves, to cherish his memory, his brother James Fitten. He also leaves, to celebrate his life and cherish his memories, his children, godchildren, and special children in Christ: Willie Jr., Ray (Katrina), Hosea (Janet), Mark (Sharon), Nathan, Ronda (Lawrence), Leah, Myra, Johnnie III, Charles Jr., Jauqulia, Rontrrious, Roderick, Arterrious, Carol Jean, Deborah, Brother Arthur, Brother Jerome, and Brother Roger.
He also leaves behind twenty (20) grandchildren, (19) great-grandchildren, (1) great-great-grandchild, and a host of other relatives, saints of God, and friends.
Acknowledgement
The family of Bishop Willie Ray Fitten, Sr. gratefully acknowledges the many expressions of love and sympathy you have conveyed during our time of bereavement. You have really been a great source of comfort, strength and solace. Each act of kindness will be remembered and cherished. May God bless you. A personal acknowledgment will be made at a later date. Please continue to pray for us.
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