Mr. Warren Ryland Fitzgerald, age 80, of 416 W. Locust Street, Covington, Virginia, died at his residence on April 14, 2010.

Mr. Fitzgerald was born August 21, 1929 in Covington, the fifth son of the late Herby Walton Fitzgerald, Sr. and Lottie Bradley Fitzgerald.

He was a member of Covington Baptist Church.

He graduated from Covington High School and graduated from V.P.I. with a degree in Industrial Arts and was a teacher in the Richmond, Warrenton and Augusta School Systems.

He returned to Covington to help take care of his mother and worked several years for Flor-Kab Company.

He served four years in the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In addition, he served four years in the Air Force inactive reserve.

Warren was a member and strong supporter of the National Rifle Association; he enjoyed the outdoors, like trout fishing and was fond of animals. A writer, he had a number of technical papers published by the Virginia Wildlife Magazine as well as the Muzzle Loader Magazine. These activities consumed much of his spare time.

He was an avid reader of American and English Literature. Appalachian Folklore and the Civil War were favorite topics. His reading interests were varied and extensive. The Charles P. Jones Memorial Library served him well. He considered the library as one of Covington's strongest assets.

Warren had many commendable traits and characteristics. He was kind and gentle in disposition; honesty and integrity were his daily and constant companions; he was humble and demonstrated great respect for other people; he accepted responsibility graciously; he approached life seriously, but also enjoyed good stories and good humor. He earned the accolade, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Mr. Fitzgerald is survived by two brothers, Ernest P. Fitzgerald and wife Helen Jean of Covington and William W. "Bill" Fitzgerald and wife Lawanda of Covington; a sister, Peggy F. Johnson and husband, Cecil of Salem; a sister-in-law, Catherine "Kitty" Fitzgerald of Covington; a special cousin, Lura Harvey McNulty of Covington; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Herby Walton Fitzgerald, Sr. and Lottie Bradley Fitzgerald, Mr. Fitzgerald was preceded in death by three brothers: Buell Wilson Fitzgerald, Lemuel Woodrow Fitzgerald Sr. and Herby Walton Fitzgerald, Jr.

A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Those wishing to send condolences online, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.