George Edward Fitzsimmons (Eddie), 75, passed away Sunday morning, November 19, 2023 in Houston, Texas. He was born on July 29, 1948 in Denton, Texas to Thomas Fitzsimmons and Ella Geraldine Fitzsimmons.  Eddie is survived by his wife: Rene’e Suzanne Fitzsimmons (Gell); children: Michelle Rene’e Cheng (Fitzsimmons) with husband Stephen Kong Cheng, Scott Edward Fitzsimmons with wife Hope Michelle Fitzsimmons (McQuiston), and Nicole Suzanne Darbe (Fitzsimmons) with husband Timothy Lee Darbe; grandchildren, Mitchell Donnigan Cheng with wife Captain Jessica Marie Cheng (Cornelius), Dewey McQuiston McPherson, Rebecca Lynn Renee Fitzsimmons, Megan Michelle Cheng, Ethan Gregory McPherson, Benjamin Stephen Cheng, Colton Scott Fitzsimmons, Abigail Maura McPherson, Olivia Cailyn Cheng, Keegan Edward Darbe, and Kirin Linn Darbe; great grandchildren, Clayton Lark Cheng and numerous family members and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Deborah Lynn Wright (Fitzsimmons).  Eddie was diagnosed with Cholangiocarinoma in May 2022 and had been successfully receiving treatment.  Unexpectedly, he had a brain bleed and did not recover from complications.

He earned a Bachelor and Master Degree in Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University.  He proudly served his country during the Vietnam era at both the Memphis and Dallas Naval Air Stations.  His flight-simulation training was utilized across the Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs.  Eddie worked as an Aerospace Contract Engineer and NASA Civil Servant for AlliedSignal, United Space Alliance, Bendix and Singer/Link.

Eddie had a passion for playing his trumpet, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, teaching as an adjunct professor, and Election Clerk for Harris County.  He was an avid gun collector, shooting enthusiast and NRA & Texas State Rifle Member.  He told corny-dad jokes and if others didn’t laugh – he did.  He treasured playing cards and board games around a table with family and friends, continuously learning history and politics, cheering the Houston Astros, coaching the women’s church softball team, and was ever-present in the lives of his children and grandchildren.

He touched many people’s lives by selflessly serving his church as a Deacon, Sunday school leader, playing in the church orchestra, Clear Lake Orchestra, and Rice Symphonic Band.  He was a member of the church choir, SonShiners Choir, Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston, and Singing Men of Texas.  Other community associations he was deeply involved were performing with the Deer Park Art Park Players, Family Life Ministry, and Action Ministry of Houston as a member of the Board of Directors feeding for and caring for those in need.

A funeral service will be held on 24th of November 2023, at 11:00 am at Nassau Bay Baptist Church, 18131 Nassau Bay Drive, Houston, Texas 77058 with a viewing prior at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in George Edward Fitzsimmons’ memory may do so for the benevolence fund at their church (to provide mobility access to the church and stage) or the Gary Sinise Foundation (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org).