John Richard "Johnny" Fite
May 23, 1952 ~ April 15, 2025
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
John Richard “Johnny” Fite, 72, went home to be with the Lord on April 15, 2025, at his home in Fairview.
In heaven he was reunited with his loving mother, Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Williams Fite, and his father, John Ernest “Dick” Fite.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Wilma Fite; sister, Patricia “Patty” Rhodes (Colin); nephew, Kelly Rhodes (Shannon); niece, Tonya Bissinger (Scott); Willie Moore (Mary) and Braxton Centola. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A graduate of A.C. Reynolds High School Class of 1970, he went on to Haywood Community College studying forestry. Life took him to UPS, where he worked 40 years of service, both as a package care driver and later as a Feeder Driver. Known as “Colonel” there, he made lifelong friends who were like brothers to him.
Johnny had an adventurous spirit and loved being outside. In his younger years, he enjoyed jeep riding and spending time on the water. From a young age, he enjoyed horses and horseback riding, spending time outdoors and camping with friends and always looked forward to going to Horse Camp. He was a member of Back Country Horsemen Pisgah, Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, and Back Country Horsemen of America. He was an avid supporter of horse trail maintenance and knew Pisgah and the Smokies like the back of his hand.
He was always ready to head out west for hunting, rodeos, horseback riding and thoroughly enjoyed trips to national parks. He followed his motto in researching and planning trips: “a planned day is a safe day.” The adventurous life he enjoyed made him always ready for a story.
His family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at Trinity of Fairview Church, 646 Concord Road, Fletcher, NC 28732. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Stacey Harris will officiate and Tommy and Susan Rhodes will share music.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
Services
Visitation: April 18, 2025 1:00 pm
Trinity of Fairview
646 Concord Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828) 628-1188
http://www.trinityoffairview.com
Memorial Service: April 18, 2025 2:00 pm
Trinity of Fairview
646 Concord Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
(828) 628-1188
http://www.trinityoffairview.com
Funeral Service:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. I have known Johnny through UPS for over 40 years. I am going to miss all our discussions and funny stories about his travels. He was my go to guy when I needed to talk. Job well done my true and faithful friend. You will be missed.
Thanks Summer! I love you 💕
Wilma- we have fond memories of horseback riding/camping with the two of you…you are in our hearts and prayers
Thanks! We thoroughly enjoyed camping and riding with you and your family.
Wilma and family, friends soo sad for your loss prayers
He was always good to see him and his great stories
He will be missed
Thanks Sandy! We always enjoyed seeing you and your horses in camp and sharing meals with you! Keep riding and remembering those stories he loved to share. Much love to you!
Thank you!
You guys are the best! Johnny truly loved Andy! The trip to Knoxville would have not been the same without Andy. Thank you and your church family for all your prayers and support. Love you guys!
I was shocked to see Ole Johnny in the obituaries but I suppose we all are getting up there in age. Johnny, Randy Powell and my parents growing up use to pull me and my brother behind either their jeeps or my parents 4X4 Vega they built all through Bent Creek in the snow….He is such an awesome person and friend. He will greatly be missed by all who knew him…..will be praying for Wilma
Thanks! Yes Johnny like to have fun and loved those days and enjoyed playing in the snow with his jeeps!! Fond memories.
Wilma
Wilma I met Johnny before we started first grade so I have known him over 68 years. We have had some good times together. We worked together over 30 years at UPS. He sure had a great memory he knew more trails in Wyoming than I do in Mills River. He was certainly one of a kind and will surely be missed not only by his family but by all that crossed his path. Kenny Reed
No doubt you were his longest friend! Thank you for all your prayers and support. You have been a blessing to me during these difficult days.
Wilma
Thanks Tiffanie! He loved his adventures and couldn’t wait to tell others! We love you too!💕
Thank you.
Wilma and Family
Deepest sympathy for your loss. Worked a lot of years with John at UPS and always enjoyed seeing and talking with him at the retiree’s breakfast. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Thank you. Johnny was blessed to have so many UPS friends!