Southbridge/Holland: Emery L. 'Sonny' Fitts, Jr., 77, of Southbridge and formerly of Holland, passed away on Monday, Dec. 1st, in his home after a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 54 years, M. Jeanne (Renaud) Fitts; his sister, Grace Lavallee of Southbridge; his brother-in-law, James Renaud and his wife Jean of Arizona; his sister-in-law, Denise (Renaud) Groharing of California; his two Godsons, Drew Ryder and Roger Lavallee; and many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves a great nephew with whom he was very close, Jason Lavallee and his wife Colleen of Thompson, CT and their children, Devyn, Dallas, Dylan and Lauria.  Sonny was predeceased by two sisters, Sylvia Stevens and Ruth Lavallee and a niece, Lauria White.  He was born in Southbridge the son of the late Emery L. Fitts, Sr. and Alice E. (Farrows) Fitts.  He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and was very proud of his service to his country.

Sonny worked and retired from FlexCon in Spencer after 31 years of service.  During that time he was an equipment maintenance person and later supervisor of that department where he earned the Miles McDonough Award, given by his peers for excellence in service to the company.

Sonny was an avid golfer, enjoying many years on the Monday and Wednesday Leagues at Hemlock Golf Course in Sturbridge.  He was one of the founding fathers of the traveling FlexCon BOTOMISO Golf Group over 25 years ago and continues to have over 20 members.

He was a huge Patriots and Red Sox Fan and enjoyed going to and watching games with his great, great nephew, Dylan.

A funeral Mass for Emery will be held on Friday, Dec. 12th, at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  Burial in West Ridge Cemetery, Charlton, will be held at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours.

Sonny loved all his pets through the years and donations may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, 111 Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01515.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.