PITTS

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we announce the passing of John Joseph Pitts, a devoted husband, cherished father, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. John passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life lived with strength, purpose, and heart.

Born on October 24, 1944, in London, Ohio, John lived a life marked by hard work, unwavering faith, and an endless devotion to his family. He served his country honorably as an Army veteran returning home to build a life grounded in dedication and integrity while also spending several years serving in the US Army National Guard. For decades, he drove the long highways of America as a truck driver for Yellow Freight, retiring in 2001. He was a proud member of Teamsters Local 413.

John was a man of quiet strength, deep values, and a work ethic that never wavered. He found peace in the simple pleasures – tinkering in the garage, keeping his yard neat and beautiful, and diving into nonfiction books that fed his curious mind. More than anything else, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren and the generations that followed. Whether teaching them how to fix something, offering words of wisdom, or simply sitting side by side in quiet companionship, his love was constant and unforgettable. The memories he created with them – the shared stories, the hugs, the lessons, the laughter – are treasures that will be carried for generations.

A strong man of faith, John lived with integrity and purpose. His belief in God was the foundation of his life, and he shared that faith not only with words, but through daily acts of love, honesty, and compassion. His legacy is not just in what he did but in who he was – a faithful husband, a steadfast provider, a loving patriarch, and a man who made everyone feel safe, protected and valued.

He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Shirley (Baker) Pitts; three daughters April (Arthur) Young, Selena (Dan) Dunkley, and Peggy (Robert) English; 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; sister Pearl (Ron) Finney; numerous nieces and nephews; and dear family friend Lisa Crain.

John was preceded in death by his parents Omar Leslie Pitts and May Florence (Canter) Pitts, three brothers, and seven sisters.

Though our hearts ache with his absence, we find peace knowing he is now at rest, reunited with loved ones who have gone before, and is held in the arms of his Savior.

The Pitts family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM in the funeral home with Chaplain Walt Sears officiating. Interment will follow in Somerford Township Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by the United States Army and the American Legion Post # 201.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be sent to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org.

Condolences and prayers for the Pitts' family are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.