William Frank Fritz of Wake Forest, NC died September 27, 2020. He was born March 23, 1930 in Michigan City, Indiana to Claude Herman Fritz and Myrtle Dall Fritz. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; three children: Ingrid McHenry of Raleigh, NC, Greta Metcalf of Cullowhee, NC, Matthew Fritz of Asheville, NC; and seven grandchildren: Robert McHenry, Margaret McHenry, Sophia McHenry, Jigme Fritz, Elijah Metcalf, Anyia Metcalf, and Anthony Rizzo.
William held the degrees Bachelor of Music in Flute from California Institute of the Arts, Master of Arts in Composition from California State University-Northridge, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Miami.
Dr. Fritz was involved with studios in Los Angeles as a woodwind specialist, arranger, and conductor. During this time, he performed with various dance orchestras such as Billy May, Tex Beneke, Claude Gordon, and Lawrence Welk. He also worked with the Stan Kenton Orchestra as saxophonist, arranger, and assistant conductor.
He was a professor in the NC University System for 21 years and is the author of several books on music theory and jazz. Upon retirement, Dr. Fritz served as adjunct professor at UNC Chapel Hill and at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His retirement also allowed him to function as a professional musician playing with the NC Theater, NC Ballet, and NC Symphony. As a founding member of the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra he participated in seasons with them as well.
Due to COVID, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to HIGHTS, Inc., PO BOX 865, Cullowhee, NC 28723 www.hights.org.
Arrangements are being handled by First Cremation Society. Online condolences may be made to www.firstcremation.com
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William Fritz
March 23, 1930 – September 27, 2020
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Bill was a kind, thoughtful man who cared for so many- his family, students, friends and communities. He enriched all our lives with music, stories and laughter. Cherry Maynor Beasley
Dr. Fritz will always be an inspiration to me. He was a wonderful, lifelong musician and champion of JAZZ education. I will miss hearing his stories about life as a musician in Los Angeles, and of course his times as 'a reed man' and arranger with the Stan Kenton Band. In recent yearsmonths when we'd visit we often talked politics, because it's hard to find fellow conservative jazz enthusiasts. Bill was the only man I know who combined jazz and church! I remember his jazz vespers fondly! He was a committed Lutheran, who even stepped into the pulpit one day under extenuating circumstances. The man lived to see 90 years, and had so many stories to share! Bill was so proud of his cherished wife Cindy, a wonderful jazz singer. And in recent conversations Bill loved bragging on his grandkids! Bill, I will miss your booming baritone voice and the gleam in your eyes when you told me stories!
Please know that we are thinking of you during this time of sorrow. Yu2019all are in our hearts, and we send our deepest condolences. With Love, The Gulyamovu2019s (Family of Balon Bradleyu2019s youngest daughter)
My love and prayers are with you all as my tears are flowing for your loss. Wish I could give each of you a hug. u2764ufe0f Melanie
Cindy, Ingrid, Greta and Matthew - I am holding you all in my heart, and sending you strength and love as you navigate this tremendous loss. I'll always remember Bill with a quiet loving smile on his face in spite of the neighborhood kid chaos running through his home. And of course those morning rides to school in his classic VW bug. Who could forget those! I'm so sorry we can't all gather in his memory with you all right now. I look forward to hugs again some day soon.
Bill and my dad played together, in the Army Band around 1950 during the Korean War. Bill was visiting St Louis and came over to have dinner with us at the house. I was in second grade and had just started playing flute in the school band. I remember being so impressed at this big shot musician who would spend time after dinner with a little girl who really couldn't play a single note yet. What a fabulous talent and all around terrific guy! My heart breaks for the family, and I will be keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.
To Cindy, Bill's devoted wife You and he were lovely friends when we met in Raleigh and in my home, Fuquay-Varina. I have made several attempts to phone, but with no success. I am saddened to learn of Bill's passing and hope to hear from you, Cindy, to keep in close touch. You both adopted me as the 'ex' of a musician who played with Bill. I am so sorry that I missed you both when you moved to Wake Forest. rosalake@nc.rr.com--