A. J. Pitts, Jr.

April 22, 1930 - June 17, 2017

A.J. Pitts, Jr. passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017, at his home. He was born April 22, 1930 in the Palestine Community to A.J. Pitts, Sr. and Alma Yeager Pitts. He graduated Itawamba Agricultural High School, Itawamba Junior College, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Engineering from Mississippi State University. He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in London, England and Memphis, TN. After his service in the Air Force he was employed by Mantachie Manufacturing under the mentorship of Mr. E.L. Joyner, Sr. Mr. Joyner later opened a manufacturing facility in Marietta, Mississippi. Oak Hill Sportswear of New York acquired these manufacturing facilities and at that time A,J. Pitts, Jr. was named President of the manufacturing division. He served in this capacity for 35 years. In his lifetime he served on numerous bank, civic, and charitable executive boards. The most notable were First Citizens National Bank, Bank of Mississippi, and North Mississippi Medical Center. He was appointed by the governor to serve as a member of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. He was a lifelong Methodist and served on numerous boards and committees. He was instrumental in the early development of The Orchard Church. He was elected to serve as a member of the Itawamba County Board of Education. He also served for many years on the Itawamba Community College Board of Trustees. One of his passions was giving scholarships to numerous students over the years. To those that knew him it was evident that he was a Mississippi State “Bulldog” at heart. His love for MSU was shown by his contribution to the construction of the A.J. Pitts, Jr. Tennis Centre. Two of the charitable organizations that he was most passionate about were the Sanctuary Hospice House and the Antoine Tannehill Free Clinic. Giving to those in need, whether through charitable contributions or anonymous donations was the most rewarding aspect of his life. After retirement one of the highlights of his day was visiting with his circle of friends at Comer’s Restaurant. He is survived by his wife Linda Harris Pitts; his son, Mike Pitts, of Tupelo; daughters, Alicia Goodson (Buzz) of Tupelo, Lori Anger (fiancé Dr. David Fagan) of Vicksburg; mother of his children, Bobbie Nell Pitts; daughters, Toni Harris, of Fulton, Tammy Harris, of Pensacola, Florida; son, Mitch Harris, of Fulton. Grandsons: Richard Boehms (Kayla) of Centerville, Tennessee; Justin Pitts of Gulfport, Mississippi; Will Goodson, of Tupelo: Granddaughters; Lindsay Arant (Allen) of Olive Branch, MS, Lauren Boehms of Nashville, Tennessee; and Krissy Howell (Chris), of Mantachie, MS. Greatgrandchildren: Jane Allen Arant, Presley Howell, and Bennett Arant; brother, Lawrence Pitts of West Haven, Connecticut. He is also survived by his beloved English bulldog “Prissy”. He is preceded in death by his mother & father; brothers Rev. Bonnie Pitts, Lewis Pitts; and one sister Ruby Clark; and one greatgrandson, Dawson Howell. There will be a private family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Sanctuary Hospice House or the Antoine Tannehill Free Clinic. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.