David Lawson Pitts

PITTS - David Lawson, 83, left this world peacefully with family and friends by his side on Saturday June 4, 2016. He was born June 3, 1933 to Reuben Griffin and Elizabeth Pitts (Jackson) in Gadsden, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his wives, Carol Ann Pitts (Horine) and Joyce Pitts (Larue); by his mother and father, and brothers: Crochan, Charles and Walter; sisters Bertie, Myrtle and Margie; and sons David Jr., James, Richard and stepson, Edward. He was a responsible and caring father of his children and is survived by: Damon Pitts, Debra Connerton and William Pitts (“Will”) and stepchildren Gerald Horine, Pamela Locke, Jeanette Howard, Karen Colclasure and Terry Howard plus 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. David left the farm of Alabama to join the Navy at the young age of 16 and served in Korea and Vietnam. Back home, he was a drill instructor “pushing recruits” at Great Lakes and San Diego. In 1968, was responsible for organizing and activating the recruit training command as the Company Commander and Parade Drill Master for the 1st graduating class at the Orlando Naval Training Center. This success led to being promoted to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the Navy in 1972, he owned and operated several businesses including the Sunoco Station in Arlington, the Holiday Times Motel and Midway Inn in Callahan while maintaining service as the Plant Manager of the Carbonaceous Boiler Facility at the Naval Station Mayport and then as Chief Engineer of Utilities at Mayport. He graduated Cum Laude with a BS in Business Management from Jones College. Since 1996, has been active in the WG Pitts Company where he served as Chairman and CEO. David was a man who had a wonderful sense of humor and practiced Christian charity daily by tending to the needs of many who were destitute and down on their luck, especially those who served in the military. He will be greatly missed by all. Memorial service will be held 11:30 am on Thursday, Jun 9, 2016 at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32211 with viewing at 6-8 pm Wednesday, Jun 8, 2016. A committal service at 1:30 pm, Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville, FL 32218 and reception to follow at (his favorite place to eat since Carol’s passing), Golden Corral, 9070 Merrill Road.