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Leonard Fitch, owner of Fitch’s IGA, had a party for his 85th birthday on Friday, May 23, at the IGA in Wilmore.

The front of the grocery store was packed with family, friends, neighbors, and customers wanting to share their appreciation and love for Fitch. 

Fitch had a blue shirt that read “Mr. Wilmore.” Two large cakes were served, along with hotdogs and water. People running the party included family and Fitch’s employees, who wore red “I Heart Leonard” shirts. 

A card station was available at the function, allowing visitors to write a birthday card to Fitch. By the end of the event, the basket was filled with loving words in various letters. 

Fitch enjoyed the party with a smile on his face, walking around greeting his friends and family. 

Along with Wilmore community leaders, Mayor Harold Rainwater was present. He used his

mayoral powers to proclaim May 23, 2025, Leonard Fitch Day. “Leonard Fitch, a beloved and respected member of our community. Whereas Mr. Fitch has operated IGA for 69 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication, kindness, and generosity. Throughout his life, Leonard Fitch has exemplified the values of hard work, passion, and faith, and he has been a faithful servant and leader in the Christian community. He has served as a city council member since 1970, offering wise counsel, steady leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our town for 59 years. While Leonard Fitch, along with his wife, Emily, raised a wonderful family, he extended his legacy of love, service, and community spirit. Whereas it is fitting that we recognize and celebrate the many contributions of Leonard Fitch, whose life stands as an inspiring example of civic duty, faith, and personal integrity,” Rainwater said. 

Fitch and his late wife, Emily, had three children. Stephanie Fitch was present, along with her two brothers. She set up a slideshow that included photos of her parents on their wedding day. 

Stephanie said the party was “Wonderful. Dad is in such amazing shape for 85. He works every day, and I think he truly is Mr. Wilmore,” She said.

Fitch’s IGA has new management. The owners of Solomon’s Porch will help manage the store, but Stephanie said Fitch will still be there every day. “He’ll just get some breaks because before, he was getting here at 7 a.m. and not coming home at night until 10 p.m. He’s 85, so we really needed help.” Stephanie helps her father open the store every morning, but she works full-time at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Her brother, Chris, works in the store at night, and her brother, James Lynn “Sonny” Fitch, works in High Bridge. This new management means Leonard will receive the help and breaks he needs to keep the store running smoothly. 

Sheila Morgan Klingshirn gave a speech on Leonard and showed the crown the photo album she made for him. “I know people think I’ve been stalking Leonard. I probably have, for years and years and years. But when I found out about the birthday party, I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, I’ve got to do something! I’ve created a photo album and taken pictures of many of you who have come in with Leonard. I’m getting more tonight, and there’s still room! This is what I wrote to you, Leonard. ‘Happy 85th birthday. Leonard, you’ve been part of my family for all of my life, 69 years. I love you, friend; I know you love us because you show us all the time. Dear Jesus, watch over Leonard; we love him. Amen,” Klingshirn said. 

“This was just something from my heart. I’ve known Leonard all my life; we’ve shopped at Fitch’s IGA all our lives, and I love him. He’s my church. I come over here, and we laugh together, we cry together, we pray together. He’s a good man,” She added. 

Lifelong friends of Fitch’s attended the party, including Georgia, who met Leonard and became close friends after his parents began making deposits at the bank. A friend named Sonny Whitt met Leonard when he moved to High Bridge and came up to Fitch’s for food. They have a somewhat joking relationship. “He’s James Leonard. Everybody likes to call him Leonard, but I like to call him James because it aggravates him.” Whitt said. 

People in the audience shared stories of Leonard’s life, including humorous tales. 

“When he first came to Wilmore, he said he didn’t want to move to Wilmore; He wanted to stay in New York. But then when he came out to Asbury college farm, where I grew up, and my big sisters were there, he decided he’d stay in Kentucky with my big sisters and have fun,” Nancy Whitt Parsons said. 

The whole room burst out in song, singing the birthday song to Fitch.

“I feel loved, loved. I really love everybody that’s here. I love this store and all its people; they’ve been so good to me,” Fitch said.