William Aaron Fritts' Obituary
William "Bill" Aaron Fritts was born on January 9, 1950, in Joplin, Missouri, to Lee and Helen (DeGood) Fritts. He passed peacefully into his heavenly home on July 21, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Raised in Joplin, Bill graduated from Joplin High School and spent many formative years helping his father build and operate Lee's Resort on Grand Lake. It was a place that remained special to him throughout his life, filled with cherished memories made on the water.
After high school, Bill began his college education at Missouri Southern before transferring to Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management. He graduated with honors and was active in various engineering clubs. A proud OSU Cowboy, Bill remained an avid supporter and fan throughout his life.
Bill built a successful career with Southwestern Bell, serving in management roles across Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, and Canada. Even after retiring, he continued to work in the field he loved by founding his own company focused on communication power systems.
Known for his love of travel, flying, and both classic and modern sports cars. Bill also had a passion for hockey, motorsports, and most of all-his family and friends. He had a deep faith in the Lord, which he lived out through participation in mission trips and acts of quiet service. Bill was a devoted dog lover and a man who could fix anything-often called upon by his family for help with projects big and small.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Gayle Pray Fritts; children, Robert Fritts (Karen), Emily Collins (Chris), Ilze Hicks (Joel), and Taylor Fritts (Ashley); grandchildren, Kate Fritts, Will Fritts, Andrew Fritts, Matthew Fritts, Finn Collins, Lyla Hicks, and Graham Fritts; sister, Susan Hurn; as well as many nieces, nephews, foster children, and hockey players whose lives he touched.
Bill will be remembered for his quiet strength, remarkable work ethic, unflinching faith, and deep, abiding love for his family.
A service celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26th at Faith United Methodist Church in Tulsa. The service will also be live streamed at faithtulsa.org/ live.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Saint Francis PINK PAWS Therapy Dogs or the Tulsa Humane Society.
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