Max Allen Fritts, 73, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald. A private funeral service and burial will be held for Mr. Fritts at a later date.
Born April 5, 1953, in Hixson, Tennessee, Mr. Fritts was the son of the late Fred Jackson Fritts, Jr. and Ava Gaskins Goolsby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Danny Fritts.
In his younger years, Max loved to hunt and he was so proud of his harvest of a trophy buck in Melrose, Florida.
Although chronic pain and disability prevented him from enjoying those hobbies in his later years, they never dimmed his exceptionally sharp mind, or his unforgettable wit and sarcasm. Max was a lifelong learner who loved to read and research a multitude of topics; he would share what he learned and encouraged others to do the same. He found joy in listening to music and watching movies, and enjoyed discussing the intricate details of a song, artist, movie, or actor that had impacted or impressed him.
After his brother Danny passed, he and Lorna helped to raise Danny’s sons, Danmar, Max, and Danny. He fondly referred to them as “the boys” and loved them, and had a soft heart for all children.
Although his life was not an easy one and he faced many struggles here on earth, Max had a deep, profound faith and belief in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He read and studied the Bible cover-to-cover many times and encouraged his family to seek that same understanding and faith in Christ. While he was a complex and complicated man, Max (lovingly remembered as Papaw) loved his family, and will be remembered fondly.
Max was a veteran of the United States Army.
Mr. Fritts is survived by his wife, Lorna Goff Fritts of Tifton; two daughters and one son-in-law, Anna and Rodney Ballard of Ocala, Florida and Jennifer Britt of Silver Springs, Florida; one brother, Lamar Fritts of Tifton; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Barbie and Earl Dyer of Gainesville, Florida and Rita Sykes of Silver Springs, Florida; five grandchildren and their spouses, Dalton and Alicia Ballard, Hailey and Ryan Puckett, Austin and Ramie Britt, Toby and Michelle Britt and Samuel and Hailey Britt; and five great-grandchildren, Kolten Ballard, Stetson Ballard, Annalise Puckett, Riot Puckett and Prairie Britt.