Orvil Fitzgerald Jr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Orvil Fitzgerald Jr, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Orvil passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at Prisma Health under hospice care after a courageous battle with a long illness. He was 86 years old. Born on December 16, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, Orvil was the cherished son of Dolly Pauline and Orvil Fitzgerald Sr. He is predeceased by his loving parents, his devoted wife LaVon Rose Fitzgerald, sister Shelby McGlasson, and brothers Carl and Harvey Fitzgerald. Orvil and Bonnie shared 48 joyous years together, a partnership filled with love, laughter, and countless shared adventures until Bonnie’s passing. Orvil proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1978, a career marked by bravery and dedication. He was a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for his valor. After retiring from military service, Orvil channeled his passion and skills into Fitzgerald’s Garage, an automotive repair shop that served his community with the same commitment he showed to his country. Orvil was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and boundless generosity. He found joy in fishing, camping, and woodworking, crafting beautiful furniture and birdhouses in his shop. His love for the outdoors was only rivaled by his love of country music and dancing with his beautiful wife. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his children: Henry Fitzgerald (Terry), Darrell Fitzgerald (Ginny), Shari Addington, Brenda Martin, and Debbie Degraffenreid (Larry). Orvil was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Robbie Addington, Cory Fitzgerald, Lauren Reid, Summer Johnson, Autumn Kelly, Larry Degraffenreid Jr, and Nicolas Degraffenreid. His eleven great-grandchildren—Jacob Addington, Tripp Reid, Sage Gaskins, Madi Christley, Charlie Kelly, JT, Logan, Abby, Jayden Johnson, River Johnson, Haidyn Johnson, Myles Degraffenreid, and Thomas Degraffenreid—were the lights of his life. A celebration of Orvil’s life will be held on October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn, located on Leesburg Road in Columbia. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caretakers at Prisma Health Heart Hospital and Palmetto Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Orvil's memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer. His family hopes that through these contributions, Orvil’s spirit will continue to touch the lives of others. Orvil Fitzgerald Jr will be remembered for his unwavering love, courage, and the indelible mark he left on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.