Rev. Franklin Delano Fitzpatrick

Rev. Franklin Delano Fitzpatrick, age 84, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at Northside Hospital Cherokee. A devoted servant of God, Rev. Fitzpatrick dedicated his life to ministry, faithfully pastoring several churches throughout Atlanta, Georgia. In his later years, he was a beloved member of Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, where his faith, compassion, and steady presence touched countless lives. Rev. Fitzpatrick was known for his gentle spirit and his heart for helping others. Whether through prayer, a kind word, or a helping hand, he met people where they were—with love, patience, and grace. He had a special gift for connecting with the youth of his community, offering them guidance, encouragement, and the same care he gave his own grandchildren. In addition to his ministry, Rev. Fitzpatrick had a long and proud career with Lockheed Martin Georgia, where he worked faithfully for more than thirty years. His dedication, humility, and work ethic were admired by all who knew him. Above all, Rev. Fitzpatrick was a family man. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—each of whom brought a special light to his life. He is survived by his sons, Bobby Curtis of Woodstock, GA, and Reggie Wise of Canton, GA; his daughters, Chan Brown of Hiram, GA, Lynn Fitzpatrick of Marietta, GA, Karen Fitzpatrick of Canton, GA, Fransine Fitzpatrick of Lithonia, GA, and Fran Gates of Canton, GA; his brother, Leonard Tanner of Canton, GA; sixteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, GA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, GA, with Pastor Justin Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hickory Log Missionary Baptist Church, 179 Belletta Drive, Canton, GA 30114, in honor of Rev. Fitzpatrick’s lifelong dedication to his faith and community. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fitzpatrick family.

Tributes

Rev. Franklin Delano Fitzpatrick

July 13, 1941 - November 8, 2025