Jerry Don "Birdie" Fitts, age 80, of Electra, Texas, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Electra Memorial Hospital.

Honoring Birdie's wishes, there will be no formal services held.  Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.

Birdie was born January 24, 1945 in rural Wichita County, outside of Electra, to the late George Washington Fitts, Sr. and Cora Bell Smith Fitts.

He was a 1963 graduate of Electra High School.  After high school, Birdie went into the Army for three years where he served in the Cold War in Germany.

Birdie and Brenda Burton were married July 10, 1971, in Electra, Texas.

Birdie spent several years working at Lincoln Tank Company and C.E. Natco. He was also a welder and carpenter.  His family said he could build anyting.

He was a very good basketball player and was well known in town for his skills on the court.  Birdie enjoyed watching sports, especially his Dallas Cowboys. He spent many hours writing poetry and reading.  Birdie's favorite book to read was his bible.  He was a devout Christian throughout his life. Although he was physically unable to attend church the last years of his life, he watched church on television any chance he could.

Birdie loved his family and friends, but his two grandchildren were the apple of his eye.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Fitts of Electra; one son, Derek Fitts, Sr. of Electra; three sisters, Viola Goodwin and husband, Jim of New Braunfels, Norma Beavers and husband, Jim of Jacksonville, Florida and Geraldine Payne of Flagstaff, Arizona; one granddaughter, Lillian Fitts of Electra; and one grandson, Derek Fitts, Jr. of Electra.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, George W. Fitts, Jr. and Edward Fitts; three sisters, Hazel Morgan and her husband, Orville, Mary Hall and her husband, Walter and Lela Smith and her husband, Leonard; and one brother-in-law, Bob Payne.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Healing Hands Home Health for the loving care they provided to Birdie.

Memorials are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.