Melvin C. Pitts

Melvin Cary Pitts, 90, of Athens passed away at home on Saturday, January 28. He was surrounded by his family as he entered his eternal home. Mr. Pitts was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Carey Pitts and Lillian Kate Pitts; a brother, William Alvin Pitts, and a sister, Catherine Pitts Callaway.

Mr. Pitts is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty Wilbanks Pitts; a son, Randall Melvin Pitts (Karen); stepdaughters, Connie Greene Rushing (Geoff) and Debbie Greene House; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Bobby Pitts; two sisters, Doris Pitts Calloway and Jeannie Pitts Fincher, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Pitts was a native of Oglethorpe County and a veteran who served in the United States Army. He served in World War II and the Korean War. He was owner and operator of Pitts Commercial Refrigeration until retiring in 1987. He and his wife were then owners of Shop Rite Foods on Ila Highway until their retirement. Mr. Pitts was a longtime member of Forest Heights Baptist Church.

The family will receive visitors at Bernstein Funeral Home on Monday, January 30 from 6-8 p.m.

The funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home, with interment at Evergreen Memorial Park, officiated by Dr. C. Michael Purdy and Rev. Geoff Rushing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Forest Heights Baptist Church, 1155 Oglethorpe Ave., Athens, GA 30606.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.