Fite

State representative, third-generation grocery store owner and native Annistonian Leamon Milliard "Lea" Fite Jr., 54, died unexpectedly Monday, October 26, at his home in Jacksonville.

Fite, a life-long Democrat, was serving his second term in the Alabama State House of Representatives as the elected official representing District 40, which includes Jacksonville, Choccolocco, DeArmanville, Piedmont and parts of Anniston. Fite was the former chairman of the Calhoun County Commission and was elected twice to full terms as a commissioner representing the northern section of Calhoun County. He was known for his humor, kindness and acts of generosity.

He was the co-owner of Discount Foods of Anniston with his long-time friend, Mike Sanders.

Fite was preceded in death by his grandparents, Exa and Carl Dulaney of Eastaboga and Howard and Lucille Fite of Anniston.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Fite of Jacksonville, and parents, Leamon Fite Sr. and Ruth D. Fite of Anniston; children, Leamon Fite III (Alicia) of Auburn, Jerrod Heath Fite of Cullman, Wes Fite of Anniston and Laurie McLeod (Scott) of Anniston; and grandchildren, Hunter Blake Landers, Ella Grace Fite and Taylor Hicks.

A family visitation will be held Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Gray-Brown Service Mortuary, 1329 Wilmer Avenue, Anniston.

The funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Iron City Baptist Church, Highway 9, Anniston, Ala. The Rev. Dr. Mike Holcomb will be officiating and former senator Douglas Ghee and State Rep. Randy Hinshaw of Madison County will be speaking at the service. A private burial will follow for family members only.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth G. Mullinax Jr., John E. Blue II, Douglas Ghee, Honorable Rudy Abbott, Honorable Steve Hurst, Mike Sanders, Dennis Lipham, Honorable Randy Hinshaw, Stan Cook and Honorable Randy Wood. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Alabama State House of Representatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one of the following organizations: The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, PO Box 1826, Anniston, AL 36202, or the American Cancer Society, Alabama Chapter.