April 5, 1935 – November 23, 2023
| On Thursday, November 23, 2023, Mike Fitts, FAIA, loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 88 at his home in Nolensville, surrounded by his loving family. A true lover of the zest of life, Mike has left countless stories, memories, and toasts in his wake which his family and friends will treasure and chuckle at for the rest of their lives. Born on April 5, 1935 in Jackson TN, Michael Austin Fitts graduated from the University of Tennessee Knoxville School of Engineering, the University of Tennessee School of Architecture, and the Nashville School of Law. In the middle of his education, he did a tour of duty as a commissioned U.S. Navy Seal, earning his nickname as “The Frogman”. Mike faithfully served as the State Architect of Tennessee for 39 years until his retirement in 2010. His most noted projects were the Legislative Plaza, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Bicentennial Mall, and the restorations of the Tennessee Governor’s Residence and the Tennessee State Capitol. Mike was an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), contributing to the profession and shaping its future through board service. His dedication to enhancing society through thoughtful design earned him the prestigious recognition of AIA Fellowship in 1991, showcasing a lifelong commitment to advancing architecture’s role in society. In 2004, Mike was honored with the Excellence in Development Lifetime Achievement Award, affirming his legacy as a visionary architect. The AIA Thomas Jefferson Award followed in 2007, recognizing his exceptional contributions to public spaces. In 2020, he received the AIA Tennessee Samuel Morgan Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his enduring impact. Mike’s legacy as a dedicated architect and visionary leader will continue to inspire future generations. Mike was preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers, sister and wife, Paulette Mace “Polly” Fitts. He is survived by 4 children: Michael Aragon “Mickey” (Karen) Fitts of Nashville, Stephen Thomas “Tommy” (Rebecca) Fitts of Oldsmar FL, Michele Renee Lewis (Tommy) Overton of Nolensville TN, and Michael Sean (Regina) Lewis of Tampa FL, nine grandchildren, and 3 (and growing) great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 30th at The Village Church, 7224 Old Burkitt Road, Nolensville, at 11 o’clock a.m. with a time of visitation with the family one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, Mike asked that donations be made to the scholarship endowment that has been founded in his name at the UT School of Architecture: https://giving.utk.edu/fitts. Share Your Condolences Here. |
