Hugh Vinton Fitzwater, passed away on July 5, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born in Clay County, WV on February 8, 1923 and was the oldest son of Elisha Hugh and Rosie Metheney Fitzwater.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 49 years Carolynne S. Fitzwater; daughters, Marcia Rull and husband Bernie, Carol F. Hudson and husband Tim; one son Michael Fitzwater and wife Shelley; brothers Elton, Roy and Donald Fitzwater; sister Ida Faye James; grandchildren Heather Malish, Kristin Hankins, Ashlyn Hudson, Grady Fitzwater, Graham Fitzwater and Mary Fitzwater. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Frances Butler.

Hugh proudly and bravely served in WWII, received a purple heart and was a former POW. During his life Hugh worked as an auto mechanic at Mason Haynes, firefighter and later retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1986 as an outside machinist. He spent many hours in his garage where he loved tinkering with all things mechanical. Hugh was very proud of his family and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday July 10, 2013 in Baker-Foster Funeral Home, Bennett's Creek Chapel, 5685 Lee Farm Lane, Suffolk, VA 23435. Burial will follow in Albert G. Horton Memorial Veteran Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434, with military honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 – 9 p.m. Tuesday July 9. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.