William Gene Pitts was born on May 23, 1946, the third child born to Thomas and
Stella Pitts. He was born in the small town of Opelika, Alabama and had a humble
upbringing. At the age of 4, William moved to Cincinnati, Ohio with his family, where he
lived the rest of his life. He was baptized at a young age by the Reverend Paul Booth, Sr.
William attended Withrow High School where he played on the school?s football team
and was known for being among the best dressed students. He graduated in 1965.
After graduating, William decided to serve his country by enlisting in the United States
Army. He would eventually serve in the Vietnam War where he received a Purple Heart
Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged in October of 1967. William married
his destined helpmate, Bessie in 1988. Throughout their 23 year marriage, they enjoyed
taking cruises, traveling to various churches across the country, restaurants, and spending
time with family. The two were always seen together and their marriage exuded true love.
William worked as a lab technician for CDR, Inc. where he gave over 23 years of dedicated
service. He eventually retired from the company in 2009. William was an avid T.V.
watcher, especially of ?reality shows?. William served his church, New Prospect Baptist
Church, faithfully. He joined in 1986, and soon after, was appointed a Deacon. He diligently
visited the sick, always uplifting their spirits, greeting everyone with a smile. He
also would bring his Pastor, Frisch?s breakfast every Sunday morning.
William was one of the most sincere, good-hearted people one could know. His laugh was
infectious and his spirit was constantly joyful. He had a positive affect on everyone he
encountered and was surely memorable. He was selfless; pouring himself out to person
after person, expecting nothing in return. He was a sower, a great companion, and above
all, a man of God. His word was as good as a contract and he walked in integrity. His fun
loving nature, willingness to help everyone he met, and his genuine heart will long outlive
his presence on this earth. William was the epitome of the cliché ?to know him is to love
him?.
William is preceded in death by both parents, Thomas and Stella Pitts; and his siblings,
Geraldine, Mary (Sissy) and James (Terry) Pitts. They all welcome him to heaven. He is
survived by his wife, Bessie Pitts; his three children, Andrea, William Jr. and Gwen (Eric);
his four grandchildren, Amina, Jasmine, Jerrell and Jordan; and recent great-grandfather
of Eden. William is an uncle to a host of loving nieces and nephews, and a favorite cousin
to many. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his mother-in-law, Bernice Lockett; two
aunts, Mildred Blake and Mildred Roland. William is the brother-in-law and uncle to his
extended Lockett family, and blood could not have made him any closer. William?s presence
lives on vividly in their memories, and while he is missed, he will surely never be
forgotten.