Lou Fitzgerald

CLEVELAND Lou Fitzgerald, 93, passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 27, 2013 in a Chattanooga health care facility. Mr. Fitzgerald was the former director of the Cleveland City recreation department overseeing the construction of Tinsley Park. Lou spent 55 years as a Minor League manager or scout for the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles organizations, as well as being a Super Scout in on the ground level of the beginning of the Florida Marlins expansion team. He is a member of the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame, Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and most recently in 2011 was inducted into the Professional Scouts Hall of Fame.Mr. Fitzgerald was the son of the late Otto and Virginia Webb Fitzgerald; and was also preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Myrtle Fitzgerald; his sister Ruth Buckner; and two brothers Dave Fitzgerald and Arch Fitzgerald. He was of the Methodist faith.He is survived by his son Mike Fitzgerald and his friend Teresa Wilhoit, of Ooltewah; granddaughter Allison Hobbs and her husband Will, of Fort Oglethorpe; 2 great-granddaughters Gracen and Raven Hobbs; Several nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends today from 3 until 5 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. at the North Chapel of the Jim Rush Funeral Homes. There will be a private graveside service.The family wishes to thank the staff at Garden Plaza of Cleveland, Southern Oaks of Chattanooga and Caris Healthcare. In Honor of Mr. Fitzgerald the family request that Donations be made to the Caring Place at 130 Wildwood Ave Cleveland TN., 37311andor the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation, P.O. Box 4354 Cleveland TN., 37320.Please share your memories and condolences with Lous family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.