Rev. Eldon N. “J.R.” Fitzwater, 96, of Alum Creek, WV, a soldier of the cross has traded his armor for a new body on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. He truly was a servant of God and a Bible scholar. He preached and pastored for over 60 years and was the founder of Faith Baptist Church in Jefferson and pastored there for over 40 years.
One could say he was like the Prodigal Son in the Bible because as a young man he left home and went to a faraway country where he squandered his wealth and time for a period, but returned home to his family and soon met and married the love of his life, Ella Rae. Soon after they were married he got saved and went into the ministry and once made the comment, “he stopped running from God and started running with God.”
Those that knew him affectionately called him, “the Gadget Man” because he loved anything new in the technology world and would have to purchase it. He was quite remarkable in that he was building computers in his 90’s and working 3 days a week up to about a year and one-half ago. He loved WVU sports and would listen to the games with both the TV and radio blaring.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Rae, son, Rev. Michael Fitzwater and parents, Rev. Eldon & Katie Backus Fitzwater and several siblings.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Nancy (Joe) Taylor, Janet (Dennis) Dunlap, Jackie (Mark) Lanham and Mary Fitzwater; 10 grandchildren, Rob (Denise) Dunlap, Angela (Bob) Pritchett, BJ (Kris) Taylor, Jay (Sarah) Dunlap, Anita (Dave) Sturgill, Chaplain Matt (Alex) Lanham, Katie Fitzwater, Allison (Derek), Wesley and Shae; 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. He is also survived by two brothers, William and Tom Fitzwater, sister, Audrey Meickles and daughter-in-law, Chaplain Phyllis Fitzwater.
Service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek. Entombment will follow at Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston. Family and friends will gather from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Special thanks to Lisa Queen, NP, and the Hospice nurses and staff. Loving thanks to Barret & Diane McDonald, and Nova Rubber Co., and also to Sissy Kirk Pauley who helped care for our father. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
To the family .. I am so sorry for his passing. I remember JR well & he was always kind to me & my family. I have many years of church services, weddings & going to their home. My condolences & loving thoughts to his family..
Paw paw was a great man of God I’m so blessed by getting to visit with you before you went to heaven Give Maw maw and Daddy a big hug for me see again one day when we are reunited in heaven love you
I love you Paw paw give Maw maw and Daddy hugs and kisses from me. Until we meet again and oh what a glorious day that will be.
They were wonderful in-laws and I loved their their son. We were blessed so much by their faith in God, their love for each other, and their love for family. They loved and served the Lord and they are in His glorious presence now.
I worked with J.R. over 20 years.
Love and respect him.
He did my son Brendan’s Funeral.