Roll Call Tribute

Joseph Francis "Joe" Fritz 

April 3, 1932 - August 12, 2024 

Joseph Francis Fritz (Joe), 92, went to be with the Lord on August 12, 2024, after a brief illness.

Joe was born on April 3, 1932, to Ben and Josephine Fritz in Dunlay, Texas. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas, he went on to study Geology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, earning Bachelor of Science degree in 1953, followed by a Master of Science in 1954.

Joe was a proud member of the ROTC and shortly after graduating college, he commissioned as a First Lieutenant Officer in the US Army and stationed in Germany for two years. He was proud to have served his country.

Returning home, Joe worked as an independent petroleum geologist in the oil industry for many years and started Jackson Products Company in 1990.

In 1975, Joe married the love of his life, Bennie (Bebe) Lucille Jones. Together, they were active members of the First Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, by serving in the singles department, bringing many to a life of Jesus Christ and often into marriage. They also taught children’s Sunday school and children’s choir for many years. They were members of the choir and participated in the famous Carols by Candlelight. Joe was extremely proud of his church life and loved his church family.

Joe is survived by his wife, Bennie (Bebe) Jones Fritz, four daughters, Leslie, Beth, Ann-Marie, and Teresa. He is also survived by his grandchildren John, Rachel, Jill, Jordan, Dylan, Dustyn, Chris and Blake and great grandchildren Jack, Breighlynn, Sawyer, Valerie, and four nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ben and Josephine Fritz, sisters, Sister Beatrice Fritz, Gertrude Fritz Wolf and granddaughters Hannah Beth Woodlee and Taylor-Grace Allen.

Joe’s life was lived to the fullest and he so loved the Lord. It is without a doubt we know his Savior greeted him with “well done, my good and faithful servant, well done”.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful Hospice team and Visiting Angels home care. We appreciate the concern, kindness, and loving care of our dad, as well as our family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in the Chapel at the First Baptist Church, 431 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39201 at 10 :00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024; followed by a visitation in the Chapel Dining Hall.