Background
Fite was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Ernest Baxter and Minnie Watt Fite.
Fite was born in Montgomery, Alabama to Ernest Baxter and Minnie Watt Fite.
Fite graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1939 and joined his family firm after being admitted to the Barometer
Ernest Baxter Fite also served in the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate for Marion County, Alabama. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant for World World War II where he went overseas to fly as a navigator. After the war, he returned to law practice in 1945.
He was elected to the Alabama Senate in 1946 and served as a floor leader.
He ran successfully for the House of Representatives in 1950 and served five consecutive terms there, serving as speaker on two occasions. While serving in the house and senate, Fite also served as bank director for the Bank of Hackleburg and president of the Marion County Banking Company.
During his time in the house, he sought improvements to his hometown of Hamilton, revamping streets and sewer systems He retired from politics in 1974 due to failing health, having suffered from Parkinson"s disease prior to retiring.
He died of a heart attack in 1980.
Former governor George C. Wallace commented that " truly a sad day, as we experience the loss of a man who in legislative circles had already become a legend".
Upon his death in 1980, Fite was described as "one of the most masterful members of the state legislature".