Obituary of Bob Fritz

Bob Fritz, 85, of Kingsport, passed away Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2014 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a long illness. He was born in Jasper, VA and had lived in Kingsport most of his life. Mr. Fritz was an iron worker by trade and a proud member of the Ironworkers Local #384. He owned and operated Independent Coal Co. and City Coal Co. in Kingsport for many, many years. The family would like to extend a thank you to the nursing staff at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Irene McDavid Fritz; son, Kirk Fritz; grandchildren, Gretchen and Ian Fritz, and Mylan Kiser; parents, Gene and Celestia Woods Fritz; sister, Brenda Fritz; brothers, Dallon Fritz and Buddy Fritz; three infant siblings, Roscoe, J.D. and Shirley Fritz. Surviving are his sons, Erik Fritz and wife Robin of Kingsport, Rolf Fritz and Roger Horton of Chuckey, and Alec Fritz of Kingsport; daughter, Virita Fritz and David Kiser of Kingsport; grandchildren, Heidi Fritz and husband Matt Trent of Knoxville, Petra Fritz of Kingsport, Morgan Droke of Kingsport, Michael Droke of Knoxville and Mason Kiser of Kingsport; step grandchildren, Raven Kiser and Tase Kiser of Kingsport; sisters, Claydene Fritz of Church Hill and Mildred Carrier and husband Hobert of Bluff City; brother, Glen Fritz and wife Donna of Kingsport; several nieces and nephews and a special family friend Ricky Ellis. The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 pm Wednesday at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga St., Kingsport or anytime at the residence of his daughter, Virita Fritz, 1118 West Sullivan St. A funeral will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mike Stout officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1 pm Thursday at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Glen Fritz, Ricky Ellis, Adam Chase, David Kiser, Michael Droke and Matt Trent. Family and friends are asked to meet at Carter-Trent Funeral Home to go to the cemetery in a procession. Carter-Trent Funeral Home downtown Kingsport is serving the family of Bob Fritz.