Marcellus M. Fitzwater Jr.
Marcellus “Marc” or “Fitz” M. Fitzwater Jr., 99, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
He was born November 4, 1922 in Kimberly, West Virginia, the son of Helen K. and Marcellus M. Fitzwater Sr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Mary, his wife of 62 years; and his only sibling, Dr. Rodney L. Fitzwater.
He is survived by a sister-in-law, Molly Fitzwater; nieces, Leslie Wilhelm and Kathleen Marisco; and a nephew, Bryan Fitzwater. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews of his late wife.
A member of the “Greatest Generation”, he served proudly and honorably in World War II as a crew member on the B-29 bomber. Following the war, he graduated from West Virginia University on the GI Bill with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the Engineering of Mines (BSEM). During this period, he was a member of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, an Earth Sciences Honorary fraternity.
His mining career included managing single and multiple mining operations, including General Manager of Mines of a three-state, 18 mine division of a major U.S. Bituminous coal company. His publications included; “Pneumatic Drilling for Roof Bolting” and “Maintenance Personnel Problems.” From 1971 through 1987 he was a vice-president with John T. Boyd Company, an international mining and geological consultant firm, headquartered in Canonsburg, with offices in Colorado, Australia, China and Columbia.
He was a registered professional engineer, a member of Masonic Lodge No. 99 in Logan W.Va., Masonic York and Scottish Rites, and Beni Keden Shrine in Charleston, W.Va.. He was a life member of American Legion Post No. 74 in Keswick, Va., a member of Elks Lodge No. 389 in Charlottesville, Va. and a member of West Virginia University Alumni Association.
In January 1987 he and his wife Mary moved to Lake Monticello, a gated community in Fluvanna County, Va. He continued to perform consulting assignments for John T. Boyd Co. for a few years following retirement.
During their retirement years, he and Mary toured and studied Civil War battlefields plus visiting and sampling the products of the wineries of Virginia. Of particular enjoyment was playing duplicate bridge with Mary as his favorite partner in the Charlottesville Jefferson Bridge Association.
Other interests included reading non-fiction, history-related, books and magazines dealing with the Civil War and World War II.
His interest in sports remained high from being actively involved with basketball, golf, tennis and bowling and transitioning in more recent years to becoming an avid spectator via TV. Other late-life hobbies included exchanging emails with family and friends, bird feeding and enjoying life at Lake Monticello with his canine family member as a constant and loyal companion.
As per his personal request a private burial has been arranged at Saint Mary Cemetery in Crucible, alongside his wife Mary.
He wishes to acknowledge the care of the entire staff at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.