George Richard Fritz, Jr. 92, of Franklin, NC passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024.

I arrived in this world at East side General Hospital, Detroit, MI on March 28, 1932, the first child and son of George R. Fritz and Catherine M. Wackley Fritz. I passed on to my eternal reward on September 14, 2024. I was preceded in death by my parents, my wife of 33 years, Margaret Jean Rood Fritz, younger brother, Thomas E. Fritz, and stepson Timothy R Jackson.

I leave behind my devoted and loving wife of 23 years, Carol Jean Kistler Fritz; sister-in-law, Lynette Fritz of Missoula, MO; and brother-in-law, Robert Kistler (Jane) of Glassport, PA.

My blended family consists of sons, Martin A. Fritz (Mary Ellen) of Bismarck ND; David A Fritz (Susan), of Alexandria, VA; daughter, Ann M. Fritz, of Alexandria, VA; four grandchildren, McKenzie, Madison, Devin, and Reese; stepchildren, William Jackson of Appleton, WI, Daniel Jackson (Maxine) of Beverly MA, Sally Bowser (Mark) of Vandergrift, PA, Carrie Jackson of Newmarket, NH, MaiAnn Jackson of West Mifflin, PA; 13 step grandchildren, Hali (Adam), Samuel, John, Amy, Lucy, Joseph, Anne, Jillian, Zoe, Brody, Avery, Bryana, John; and step great granddaughter, Norah Lou Ann.

I graduated from Southeastern High School in January 1950. I attended Michigan State College, East Lansing, MI, graduating in 1954 with a B.S. in Dairy Husbandry. Following graduation, I was drafted and served in the US Army for 2 years. Subsequently, I entered graduate studies at Michigan State University, receiving my M. S. in Animal Breeding and Genetics in 1958. Moving on to the University of Illinois and completing a PhD program in Reproductive Physiology in 1952.
For the next 20 years, I worked at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School in the Department of Physiology. Three years on a NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship and then developing and managing the University's Primate Research Laboratory. For the next 10 years I worked in various capacities at Zivic-Miller Laboratories producing surgically modified Albino rats.

In 2001, I remarried and moved to Franklin, NC, I joined the Resurrection Lutheran church, and I was elected to the church council as Vice President, Trustee, and Elder at various times. My wife and I established Skyvue Ranch raising Alpacas for the past 19 years. We have welcomed hundreds of visitors from many states and foreign countries for tours of our home facilities.

In past years, I have participated in Senior Games, Macon County Poultry Club, and as a member of the Friends of the Greenway Board 2003-2007. I hiked to the top of Mt. LeConte (el.6593) in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for the 25th time at age 90. I have had a very long and awesome life! I wish my family, and friends would cherish the memories we shared together and are grateful for living in the wonderful world God created.

A celebration of my life will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11am at the Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Memorials in his name can be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church, PO Box 2215, Franklin, NC 28744.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.