I hate to see that Deric has passed away. He went to school and was friends with my late husband Russel and I found this out by chance, when I worked with Deric at Wilsonart many, many years ago. He was very creative in drawing and very funny. He kept me laughing on the line and he could imitate people to a T. I always remembered my time at Wilsonart and wondered what Deric had been up to. My sincerest condolences to the family.

My best Cardinal’s buddy-you will be missed! 💔

Jean,
  my condolences to you, Deric's wife and children.
Many hugs and prayers.

Academy Sting Select Baseball - Deric would always talk strategy and how the opposing team may try to pitch. He was always one step ahead.

USSSA Champions 2007 10U - Underdog Story at it's Finest

Coach Deric Pitts was more than just a coach; he was the heart and soul of every field he stepped on. A mentor who saw potential in everyone, Deric had an uncanny ability to inspire greatness not through words alone but through action. He led by example, embodying the values of hard work, integrity, and passion. His love for baseball was infectious, and he made the game not just a sport but an experience filled with joy, learning, and camaraderie. For Deric, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about fostering a love for the game and helping players grow into confident, capable individuals. A die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, Deric’s enthusiasm for the team was undeniable, and somehow, he even converted me from being an Astros fan. He didn’t just share facts about the players or stats from games—he shared the heart of what it meant to be a Cardinals fan: the tradition, the loyalty, the heart and hustle, and the love for the game. Watching him passionately relive classic moments made it impossible not to feel the same, especially as I became engraved in the ‘Cardinal Way’. Whether it was a pat on the back after a tough play or a shared laugh in the dugout, Deric turned every moment into a lesson and every challenge into an opportunity. He was a great man whose legacy is etched not just in the victories and the plays, but in the countless lives he touched. Deric will be deeply missed, but never forgotten—his spirit lives on in every swing of the bat, every cheer for the Cardinals, and every heart that he made better simply by being part of it. Thank you for taking a chance on me as a ballplayer and emphasizing the importance of keeping baseball fun, I will always be grateful for you and your guidance as a role model. RIP Coach Deric, you will always be loved.

Deric, you were in Philly with us on the worst night of my life. We were always good friends. It was then that we became best friends. You were a rockstar, genius, comic, and mentor. Then cancer came and you fought like a tiger. Your spirit will never leave and we will always have incredible memories.

Crows Burgers National Team. I remember taking this photo like it was yesterday with the sun in their faces.

Crow’s Burgers Cardinals - where it began 
Deric was my son Grant Barnett’s first Baseball Coach. He was so good with the boys. I will always remember…. “Squish the bug & squeeze the dollar.”

So sad to hear about Deric. The best way I could describe him would be “just a cool guy”. I always enjoyed his product knowledge classes, because there was never a boring moment. Deric and Allyson were fortunate to find one and wish they would have had more time together 💜

My father in law was one of a kind! He was the light and energy in every room. To sit in a room with him as he talked with his sons and his family was to see his life's purpose. It was an honor to get to know him and become part of his family. He lives on in the hearts and memories of all those touched by his love of the game or his artistic eye for detail.  Yet, I think he will be greatly remembered for the man he was and his fight, courage, love, and boldness to live  life to the fullest in every moment.

Deric was an awesome youth baseball manager who invited our son and family to join him in August 2005 on a journey of baseball and life, that would last for 19 years.  Deric emphasized “respect for the game” of baseball and that character trait spilled over to his relationships with his players and their parents. He was delightfully interactive with his players’ siblings who suffered through countless hours of practices and tournaments.  He was a surrogate father to many young men on his teams.  He taught his players much about life (and more than a little about baseball), including how to remain confident and optimistic in the face of adversity.  Those first-place trophies will end up in an attic as dust collectors someday.  We will eventually forget the wins and losses, the freezing winds, the blistering sunburns and the torrential rainstorms on those weekends.  But we will never forget the positive influence that Deric had on our lives.  Our hearts are heavy today, and our sympathy is pouring out to his family.

My condolences! I'm saddened to hear of Deric's passing. I loved his passion for the game and for the kids. Reagan and his family are in my prayers.

Missing you Deric. Fly high. We will never forget you.

I met Deric through Pete Magre, my college roommate.  Out of all the wonderful people I met the next few years, Deric became, and remained one of the best friends I have ever had. His unwavering support of me and my family are still the model of what I wish to be as a man.  Even in difficult times, and ending with his battle over the last year - he never once complained or blamed anyone for any thing in his life that was a challenge.  I am one of the luckiest people in the world to call him a friend.   My family is infinitely blessed to have come to know and love you.  

I love you Deric, and I can’t even explain how much I already miss you.

Deric had the best sense of humor.  I will miss his smile and quick wit. My deepest condolences to Allyson and the rest of his family. We grieve with you. Sending all my love and prayers for comfort to you all.

OBITUARY

Deric Dwayne Pitts

September 4, 1971 – November 23, 2024

Scanio-Harper Funeral Home

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