WILMINGTON — Fitzgerald R. Caudle, Jr (Fitz) born October 8,1927, 98 years old, Of Wrightsville Beach, NC, departed his earthly life on Monday, March 2, 2026 at his home on Harbor Island.
Born in Orlando, Florida, on October 8, 1927, he was the son of the late Fitzgerald R. and Elizabeth H. Caudle. When he was nine years old his family moved to Raleigh where he graduated from Needham Broughton High School. Upon graduation at 17, he enlisted in the Navy June 1945 -July 1946.
After he graduated from UNC 1950, he was commissioned in the US Navy Reserves as LTJG Naval Intel Division, serving on inactive duty until honorably discharged in 1960. During his years at UNC Chapel Hill he belonged to Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gemma Sigma scholastic fraternities and Kappa Sigma social fraternity, graduating in 1950. He began his business career in sales with Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) in Charlotte, NC. He was promoted from various International management positions in Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden before returning to Detroit, where he became the youngest Corporate Vice President and Group Executive of Burroughs International Group. At 48 he retired to Wilmington to start his second career in small business and real estate.
Fitz was fully dedicated to his Lord Jesus, his family, and his church. He had served as Elder of Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, President of the board at Cape Fear Gospel Rescue Mission and on the local board of First Citizens Bank. He was a member of the Carolina Yacht Club and a former member of the Cape Fear Country Club.
Fitz was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, the love of his life, Ann Greene Caudle. Surviving are his daughters, Jean Coffman, husband David of Wilmington and Debra Peters, husband Ralph of Chesapeake, Virginia. Grandsons; Cole Walking Eagle, wifeTiffany, of Walla Walla, Washington, Clayton Walking Eagle, wife Laura of Oceanside California, grand-daughter Kamora of Wilmington. Great-grandsons, Tucker, Tanner, Talon and Asa. One brother, Robert W. Caudle of Wilmington, He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Caudle Myatt of Greensboro.
A memorial service will be held at Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, officiated by Stacy Miller. A double burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens for both Fitz and Ann. Date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
