Reuben E. Pitts, 84, died Monday, May 4, 2020 surrounded by his family at his home in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Reuben” by children as well as adults.
He leaves his wife of 59 years, LaVerne Pitts; two daughters: Sandra (David) Chaney and Janet (Greg) Muse; four grandchildren: Tiffany (Kyle) Coleman; John Mark (Brittany) Chaney, Shannon (Nick) McEntyre of Tifton, Georgia and William Muse; nine great-grandchildren: Ashton Coleman, Audrey Coleman, Morgan Chaney, Laura Merritt, Bryson Chaney, Braelyn Chaney, Analea Coleman, Drayden Shannon and Jordan McEntyre; three step-grandchildren: Jon (Rhonda) Muse, Erin (Ron) Croft and Randi (Mason) Jenkins; four step-great-grandchildren: Erik Muse, Chloe Croft, Jaiden Croft and Haylee Jenkins; one sister: Gwen Mills of Bonaire, Georgia; three sisters-in-law: Gwyn Pitts of Lexington, South Carolina, Avis (Jimmy) Josey and Magdalene Lewis; one brother-in-law: Sidney Lewis; many other relatives and friends. He loved his family dearly; especially any baby or small child. He could not wait to get hold of it.
Born in Wilcox County, the son of Julian and Lucille Pitts, his family moved to Fitzgerald when he was a young child. He lived the rest of his life in Fitzgerald. He loved history, especially the history of Fitzgerald. He often shared stories about Fitzgerald and his life experiences growing up there.
Reuben is a veteran of the Korean War Era. He served honorably in the United States Army for four years. A paratrooper and cook, he served both in the 101st and 82nd Airborne. The majority of his service was in Germany. Continuing to serve his country, he joined the Georgia National Guard. He has always been patriotic and had a serious respect for the American flag.
After serving in the Army, he returned to Fitzgerald where he met his wife, LaVerne Lewis. They were married in 1961.
Over the years he had many different occupations including carpentry, mainly roofs and painting. He also worked for G & L Steel and United Farm Tools. He worked 27 years at United Farm Tools until he had to retire due to health conditions.
In his later years he loved collecting, buying and selling antiques. He frequented yard sales, antique stores and flea markets in his search for unique items. Highly knowledgeable about a variety of antiques, his passion was antique and vintage glassware. He won multiple awards at the Georgia National Fair over several years for the quality of the antiques he collected.
He also enjoyed fishing. Especially on the Ocmulgee River. Shortly after obtaining his salvation through Jesus Christ his Lord, he became a fisher of men.
He was a member of Crossview Baptist Church (formerly known as Northside Baptist Church). He served in many capacities at his church. Because he so dearly loved children, he taught a boys’ Sunday School class and was the Director for Children’s Church. He also served as a deacon and assistant teacher for an adult Sunday School class.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Hazel Keeny, Frances Teems, Lonnese Belanger and three brothers: Julian “Lil’ Jule” Pitts, Jr., Billy “Buddy” Pitts and Lonnie Pitts.
To honor his love for children, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Crossview Baptist Church for the Children’s Ministry, P.O. Box 413, Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750.
Private graveside services will be held with a public Celebration of Life memorial service to follow at a later date.