Joseph Clifton Pitts, Jr.
November 2, 1937 ~ April 14, 2006
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Joseph Clifton Pitts, Jr., 68, of 17 Country Spring Drive, Asheville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Good Friday, April 14, 2006.
Born in the Hickory Tavern community of Laurens County, SC, on November 2, 1937, he was a son of the late Joseph Clifton Pitts, Sr. and Maggie Lee South Pitts. He was also preceded in death by daughter, Christy Jo Pitts Lovvorn; brothers, Lloyd Pitts and Ralph Pitts and a sister, Ann Pitts Armstrong.
A Christian by faith he was a member of Newfound Baptist Church in Asheville, a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Gideon and Mason. He was a long time employee of The Glass Plant in Laurens, SC and retired as a Labor Relations Representative for GMP in 2002.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Radcliff Pitts; his son, SC State Representative Michael A. Pitts and wife Susan of Hickory Tavern; three daughters, Rhonda Pitts Ponce of Blue Ridge, SC, Paula Pitts of Bryson City, NC and Tracy Pitts Hall and husband Roy of Hickory Tavern; a step-daughter, Tamara McMahan of Charlotte; grandsons, Nolan Pitts, Clifton Pitts, Caleb Cologna and Kamden Hall; granddaughters, Della Pitts, Holly McKinney, Megan Ponce and Naomi McKinney; brothers, Louis Pitts and wife Maureen of Hickory Tavern and Curtis Pitts and wife Perry of Greenville, SC.
The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 pm Easter Sunday at Newfound Baptist Church in Asheville. Funeral services will be 11:30 am Monday at the church with the Revs. Charles Phillips and Mark Ball officiating.
Graveside services will be 3:30 pm Monday at Rabun Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Hickory Tavern with the Rev. Leland Nelson officiating. Darrell Pitts, Terry Pitts, Dale Pitts, Mark Armstrong, Jason Wood, Brian Carson, Nolan Pitts and Clifton Pitts serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following interment.
The family gives special thanks to caregiver and sister-in-law Brenda Carson and guardian angel Missy Kelly.
Memorials may be made to the Holly McKinney Fund at Carolina First Bank, 1307 West Main Street, Laurens, SC 29360.
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LINDA IAM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOES PASSING.I WILL MISS MY E-MAIL.JOE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND HE HELPED US SO MUCH AT THE HAMLET PLANT.BUT LAST TIME I TALKED WITH JOE HE SAID HIS HEART WAS IN THE RIGHT PLACE AND I KNOW IT WAS.HE IS WITH GOD AND RESTING.HE WAS SO THOUGHTFUL WITH OTHERS AND DID NOT LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE BEING DONE WRONG HE WAS A GOOD UNION REP AND I WILL ALWAYS MISS JOE. lINDA MC
What a precious funeral service for Joe. It speaks of what kind of man Joe was when the ministers can so easily say such kind words of him. He certainly lived the life of a Christian. We are honored that we had the opportunity to know Joe. We know you will miss him.
Linda I have you in my prayers and thoughts. My heart goes out to you.
Rosetta
Linda,Mike,Rhonda,Paula and Tracy. Even though from afar, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest condolences for your loss. My few memories of Mr.Pitts are extremely fond ones.
To the Joe Pitts family:
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow.
Joe was a wonderful christian example who perseverd during the trials of his time on earth.
‘Well done thy good and faithful servant!’
Oh, what a homecoming he had !!
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time and in the future. Joe will be greatly missed by all of us that knew and loved him. I’m sure he will entertain God with some of his stories now.
Linda and family;
God will take care of you. Know that your hearts maybe troubled today with grief, but there is peace and comfort in God. He is your stronghold and his presence is with you always.
Your husband, your father, was my brother in Christ, my brother in Labor, my friend and my mentor. I share your grief and your sorrow, for Joe Pitts is the champion of champions in so many ways and he will remain in the memories of many. He is at peace and I pray that you find peace and comfort in knowing that.
May God continue to bless each of you.
Papa, the Clemson games will never be the same without you. You will be missed but I have tons of memories to cherish. I love you! – Your Grandson
To the Family of Brother Pitts
We offer our condolences and prayers.
The Andrews Family
James Andrews
To the family of our Brother:
Brother Pitts served on the Executive Board of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO for many years. He was a strong voice for workers and was loved by his union family.
Stay strong! We offer our condolences to the family and friends of Brother Pitts.
From:
Officers, Executive Board and Members of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO
I lost a good friend but God gained a great man.
Lil and I wish to extend to you, Linda, and the rest of Joe’s family, our condolensces upon his passing. Joe and I lived apart in distance, but I never felt apart from him, nor do I now. We wish God’s blessing upon each of you in this time of loss. God may have called him home, but he is forever in our hearts.
Linda and family,
May God bless and be with you in this difficult time. Please keep us informed as to how Holly is doing. If we can help you in any way please feel free to call. 864 585 7892. Tom & Joyce Sherbert
Jo Pitts was an online friend to me. He sent me many inspiring emails. He knew of me because he and my father were associates. He is a role model for me, and I am proud to be one of his online friends.
linda, dee and i are thinking of you and the family,and we will keep you in our prayers.i will miss my brother,i will miss my friend.–laf
Linda and Family:
You don’t know how I feel learning that Joe is gone. He has been an important part of my life for decades. It is just so hard for me to believe that he is gone. I can’t make the service. I’m sorry but I want to remember Joe as he was when we were last together.
Phil
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of grief.
I was sadden to here of Joe’s passing through this life’s end but I am sure that he is in a better place,for we all must return to the dust that we were created from,this place which we call home is only a stop through until we are to be with the Farther in Heaven.I pray that God will keep the family strong in such a time as these God Bless the Pitt family.
Linda and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe was a great person and helped so much for labor. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Doug Gibson and Joyce Fields Anderson S.c.
Joseph Pitts was one good person, and a man of his word. Better yet, he was a true UNION MAN. He lived his life for the Union, and his family. He can only be sadly missed by all of us, who knew him.
Enjoy the better world joe, you earned it.
Linda and family
You are in my prayers. Joe was a good friend and great person. Myself and a lot of other’s from Anderson SC will miss him. If you need us please call.
David Getsinger
I first met Joe 32 years ago when I started working at GMP. Throughout his career, he was always highly regarded by the members and not only as their union rep but their friend. He will be missed by many people. It saddens me to know that I will no longer hear his voice or read his e-mails. My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda and your family.
Linda & Family,
We are sorry to hear of your great loss!Joe has left many memories behind for all of us who knew him as Union Brothers. May your faith and special memories help you through this difficult time.
I really admired Joe and fill deeply for your loss. Joe Comforted me when I lost my wife. Joe was a very real friend.
Charlie
Papa,
Though we lived so far apart, you were never far from my heart. I will always keep close the memories that we shared, of trips to Asheville, and a much needed stop for ice cream. As the rest of your grandchildren surely will, I too will keep your memory close to my heart, and will strive to reach such a high spiritual and moral standing as you have done. I will love you always, and remember your legacy always with those cherished memories to keep you alive still within my heart.
Your Granddaughter,
‘The Little Girl’
Dear Linda and Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Joe was such a wonderful example of a man who loved his Lord and lived his faith.We will all miss him greatly at Newfound where he served God so faithfully. Dan&Dot Grindstaff
Deapest sympathy to Linda and Joseph’s entire family on your great loss. Joe Pitts was a great GMP officer and a super nice person. The good Lord will be glad to get Mr. Pitts.
Linda & Family
We are sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. We love you.
Paul & Flossie Worley
Kirk & Pam Bottenhorn
When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gaveyou my love: you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown. But it is time to travel alone. So grieve a while for me. If grief you must. Then let your grief be conforted by trust. It’s only awhile that we must part. So bless the memories within your heart. I won’t be far away, for life goes on.So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me. I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone. I’ll greet you with a smile and ‘welcome you home’.
I believe that this is something close to what Joe would have said to all that he knew and touched through life. Sondra Powell
Joe touched alot of lives and will be greatly missed by all.
Dear Papa,
I love you, and will miss you, but you will be forever in my heart and in my prayers. Just because you lived far away, didn’t mean that we could not spend time together, like we did on our hunting and fishing trips. I love you, Papa. Love, Kamden
Dear Pitts Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a friend at Laurens Glass.
Pat & Charles Crowder
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I only met Mr. Pitts once and knew the moment that I met him that he was a kind and caring man. In reading the guest book and the wonderful tributes to his memory, it is obvious that he will be sadly missed by his great circle of family and friends. He has left a wonderful legacy to all who knew him and has touched many lives. My prayers will be with you…Most sincerely, Pat, former secretary in the GMP Office in East Liverpool, Ohio.
GMP LOCAL 168
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.
To Linda and Family:
Joe was a great friend and union brother and will be greatly missed.We know he is in a better place with no more suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bailey Twente
Local 15
To Linda and Family:
Joe was a great friend and union brother and will be greatly missed.We know he is in a better place with no more suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bailey Twente
Local 15
One day you think you have forevery to say goodby, then you look around and it’s too late.
Thanks for the friendship and being there when we all needed you.
Goodby and thanks. Buddy
One day you think you have forevery to say goodby, then you look around and it’s too late.
Thanks for the friendship and being there when we all needed you.
Goodby and thanks. Buddy
Papa Punk,
As Della’s roommate I was introduced to you. My life has been forever changed by knowing you. You showed me the awesome love of God in many ways. You’re undying faith gave me hope and inspiration to strengthen and continue mine. I am so greatful for having the chance to know you. I know in my heart that you will live on for years to come through your children, grandchildren, family, and other friends. I pray that you’re having fun up there in Heaven. Tell the Big Man I said hello. Give Him a hug for me. Thank you for all that you’ve shown me. You will be missed dearly.
To the Pitts Family,
Your loss is felt in my own heart. You have my deepest condolences and my prayers. If you need anything please let me know. Della has my contact information. I love you guys!
Love Always,
Ashley Brown
It is with shock and sorrow that I learn of Joe’s passing. I have never known a finer man, or one I was more proud to call a friend. He will be missed by everyone he ever knew. I deeply regret having not kept in better touch with Joe.
In addition to being the classic Good Guy, he had no equal in his work of representing and defending the rights of the working class people. Not only have we lost a friend, we have lost a champion. May his work now be limited to fighting big fish and little greens in heaven.
So sorry to read of Joseph’s death.
Even tho we had never met, his mother and my grandpa Thomas South
were related though his father Daniel Leek South. Would love to stay in contact with the family.
My love and Prayers will be with you and May God Bless and guide you.
Cousin- Ellen B. Neal
I always enjoyed working with Joe.He was a wonderful international representative to Local 15, here in Anderson, S.C. for almost 30 years. My family and I wish to extend our condolences to the family. Joe will be greatly missed.
I am sorry to hear of your great loss. Joe was a good friend and he will be greatly missed.
Pa-pops hands are strong and tender
Holding me up to reach the moon
His beard soft as my snuggle blanket
Always happy to see his ‘Sweet baby’
You left me too soon,
but I know Pa-pop that Jesus will take care of you, cause he takes care of us too.
Tell GrandmaLois hello for me and touch the moon.
Although our professional roles cast us as ‘adversaries’ I always had the greatest respect for Joe. He was a man of great compassion and was a tireless advocate for those who turned to him for help. The things that I will remember most about Joe are his integrity and his faith. Joe was a man of his word. When he told you something it was the truth, and you could rely upon it.
His greatest attribute, however, was his faith. There is no doubt in my mind that Joe now enjoys the eternal peace and happiness that our merciful Lord secured for us on Calvary. Joe shared his faith with anyone who was wise enough to listen. He took seriously his obligation to share the good news, and his greatest joy was to help someone come to know the love of Jesus Christ. (I think he enjoyed this more even than winning an arbitration case against me). What a marvelous legacy!
To Linda and his loving family, I know his passing leaves a terrible void. I am sure he would want us all to remember that we will see him again in paradise, and there will be no sorrow or longing when we are united again.
Ed Campion
HR Mgr
Sptbg Steel Products
Please accept our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Please accept my condolences on the passing of a good man.
LINDA, I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOE’S PASSING. IT WAS ALWAYS GOOD TO WORK WITH JOE, EVEN WHEN WE DISAGRRED. HE WAS ALWYS A GENTLEMAN AND I LEARNED MUCH FROM HIM. MY PRAYERS WILL BE WITH YOU THIS WEEK.
TOM MCKNIGHT
Joe represented the GMP at our CertainTeed, Athens, GA plant. He worked hard to represent himself and the Union with respect for all. He clearly loved his family, his Lord and his Tigers! He was a privledge to work with and I respected his leadership through contract negotiations at our plant in 2001. My condolences to his family and his many friends. God sure gained a great man in heaven!
My most heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of a great and understanding man.
George Cherpas
VP-Human Resources
Spartanburg Steel products
MIKE. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AS YOU GO THROUGH THIS ROUGH TIME.
JERRY M. ROBERTSON
You will be miss dearly.You are the best. TKS FOR LOTS OF MERMORIES. YOUR FRIEND, GARY DAWG GIBSON
Linda,
I was sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He and I had a lengthy phone conversation last week reminiscing of times of working together. Joe was always a gentleman and a good friend. He thought me many things over the years – mainly how to agree to disagree with dignity and pride. We are proud to have called him our friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
There are so many memories of Joe in Laurens. Joe was a man who never forgot his friends or the town he came from. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Thanks for all the memories. Thoughts & prayers to all the family.
Mike, I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Although I did not know your father personally, if he was anything like you, he was a very generous, kind and giving man. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Barbara Wasson
LINDA I’M SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. JOE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND HE WILL BE MISSED.I KNOW HE IS RESTING WITH THE LORD NOW. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.