Wilson Post Office Dedicated in Honor of Milton F. Fitch, Sr.
WILSON, N.C. – Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) and the United States Postal Service hosted a dedication ceremony Saturday, May 17, at Wilson Community College to rename the Wilson Post Office in honor of Milton F. Fitch Sr., a World War II veteran, community leader and pioneering postal worker whose legacy helped transform eastern North Carolina.
The renaming followed the passage of legislation sponsored by Congressman Don Davis and signed into law by former President Joe Biden on January 2, 2025. H.R. 6750, which secured the support of the entire North Carolina delegation, officially designated the federal facility at 501 Mercer Street Southwest in Wilson as the “Milton F. Fitch, Sr. Post Office Building.”
"Milton F. Fitch, Sr. is a remarkable and key figure in eastern North Carolina’s history. He devoted his life to serving our country and community," said Congressman Davis. "Renaming this post office honors a letter carrier who broke barriers, inspired others, and left a lasting impact on Wilson and North Carolina."
Fitch’s history was deeply rooted in service to his country. He served in World War II and played a key role with the Red Ball Express, a massive truck convoy that delivered supplies to Allied troops. After returning home, he became a letter carrier in Wilson with the postal service, paving the way for future generations.
Beyond his postal career, Fitch dedicated his life to advocacy. As lead plaintiff in a lawsuit, he successfully compelled the City of Wilson to pave 23 miles of unpaved roads in African-American neighborhoods.
"This naming of the Wilson Post Office is a recognition of Milton Fitch, Sr.’s service to our country during World War II and his groundbreaking advocacy for civil and voting rights during a very difficult moment of American history," said former Congressman G.K. Butterfield. "Mr. Fitch was the letter carrier in the Wilson community during my childhood. We all loved and respected him. I extend my deep appreciation to Congressman Don Davis for his commitment to this naming and his stellar work in obtaining unanimous support from the entire North Carolina delegation."
Fitch also held leadership roles in numerous fraternal and community organizations, including the Prince Hall Masons, where he was elected Most Worshipful Grand Master in North Carolina.
His wife, Cora Whitted Fitch, was also a passionate community leader, a dedicated educator, and was elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Together, they raised five children; Dr. Jerome Fitch, retired NC Superior Court Judge Milton “Toby” Fitch, Jr., the late Attorney Patricia Maria Fitch, Dr. Christine Fitch, and Dr. Ernestine Fitch, M.D., whom followed in their footsteps with careers in public service, education, and healthcare.
"My family and I are very pleased and happy for my father to be recognized in this fashion," said Milton F. “Toby” Fitch, Jr., son of Milton F. Fitch, Sr., retired NC Superior Court Judge, and former NC State Senator. "Words cannot express it. To us, recognizing him and having an institution such as the main Post Office in Wilson, where my father worked, means so much. We thank Congressman Don Davis for honoring my father this way."
Milton F. Fitch, Sr. passed on November 2, 1995. The dedication ceremony brought together elected officials, community members, and family to celebrate his life and legacy of service, leadership, and impact that will be forever embedded in the Wilson community.
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