Russell Lee Fritts, 69, of Ponce Inlet, FL passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife, Jeanine, daughter, Samantha and family.

Russ was born on August 18, 1955, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, a son of the late Lowell Ross and Barbara (Bobbi) Ann Fritts. He graduated in 1973 from Col. Zadock Magruder High School, Derwood, MD where he played football and baseball. After graduating from University of Maryland, College Park he went to Chicago where he received the Degree of Doctor of Chiropractic from National College of Chiropractic in Lumbard, IL on August 15, 1980. He was licensed to practice in the States of Maryland and Florida. He practiced in Gaithersburg, MD for 32 years before he retired and moved to Florida.

Russ married Jeanine Machuga on September 21, 1985, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Gaithersburg, MD. They have one daughter, Samantha.

When he was young, Russ sang in his church choir. A few years later he had a newspaper route, delivering the daily and weekend newspapers, very early in the morning, on his bike with the help of his dog. He was a hard worker and always had small jobs that supported his path through Chiropractic College. Russ was a member of the Maryland and Florida Chiropractic Associations, Gaithersburg Jaycees, and played in softball and basketball leagues. He sponsored many children's, men's and women's baseball and softball teams. He was a favorite coach of a Pony League baseball team that won the local "world series" and was invited to the White House where the team met President Ronald Reagan.

He was passionate about his hobbies before and after retirement. He rode motorcycles since he was a teenager. For the last 20 years, Russ kept his Goldwing in a storage unit and rode it all throughout the western US. He had a boat on the Chesapeake Bay for 40 years and when he moved to Florida, enjoyed boating on the Halifax River. Russ was a licensed General Aviation pilot and flew his plane throughout the US – from Key West to Washington State.

Russ had an unparalleled ability to positively impact the lives of others on a personal and professional level. He was a good husband and father, epitomized the best of his profession, and was a steadfast friend. He was very generous to anyone in need - physically, medically, financially or emotionally. Russ was very outgoing and never met a stranger. He loved to get people together for food and drink and loved to initiate reunions with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jeanine and daughter, Samantha. Also surviving is his sister, Julia Fritts, and brothers, William of Lincoln, DE, Daniel (Sharon) of Damascus, MD, half brother Jonathan (Lori) of New Market, MD, a stepsister, Susan Fritts, Cousins Jenise Harter and Jeff Cullers of Ormond Beach, FL, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Russ had a soft spot in his heart for his Mother-in-law, Lucy Machuga and his dog, Roxy.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette St., Port Orange, FL 32127 or Halifax Humane Society by check or online at halifaxhumanesociety.org.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange, 1201 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL 32127

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 AM October 5, 2024, at Church of the Epiphany, 201 Lafayette St., Port Orange, FL 32127