“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
Rev. James Clyde Pitts, Jr., passed away at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge on June 17, 2023, at 7:50 AM at the age of 93. He was a resident of Denham Springs for the past 37 years. He was born on September 1, 1929, in Laurel, MS, and grew up in Union Line, a small community near SoSo, MS, west of Laurel. He was a Baptist Minister who loved serving the Lord and ministering to the people of the nine churches he pastored in Mississippi and Louisiana from 1958 until 1997. After his retirement, he continued his ministry in four nursing homes and assisted living facilities until 2018 by playing his guitar and singing gospel hymns that he loved so dearly. Nothing made him smile more than his grandchildren and great grandchildren! He dearly loved spending time with them and singing to them and sharing his faith with them. Every time they were around, he would light up. Survived by his four children: James Larry Pitts, Patricia Schenk, Jerry (Susan) Pitts, and Jackie (Terry) Wilson. Nine Grandchildren: Candice Floyd, Crystal (Philip) Crowell, Jimmy Schenk, Jodi (Johnny) Koontz, Matthew (Ashley) Pitts, Brittney (Dustin) Hebert, Allen Wilson, Casey (Keith) Goodson, Lindsey (Bradley) Smith. Seventeen Great Grandchildren: James and Hope Floyd; Addison Crowell; Taylor and Phoebe Koontz; Zane and Zaiden Hebert; Caston Pitts; Jackson and Brylie Wilson; Elliott, Aveline, and Eleanor Goodson; Lawson, Grace, Ella, and Gabriel Smith. Sister, Helen Rae Pitts and Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins. Preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Dorothy Upchurch Pitts; his parents Clyde and Delphia Pitts and two brothers, Seburn Pitts and Billy Roy Pitts; son-in-law Russell Schenk and daughters-in-law HoJa Ham Pitts and Rhonda Ashcraft Pitts; grandson-in-law Joseph Floyd; and his wife of 15 years, Dorothy Canon Pitts. Pallbearers: Jimmy Schenk, Allen Wilson, Matthew Pitts, James Floyd, Dustin Hebert, Bradley Smith, Philip Crowell, and Keith Goodson. Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Pitts, Jerry Pitts, Terry Wilson, Johnny Koontz, Bobby Brooks, Randy Hosey, Stevie Hosey, and Joey Hosey. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Livingston, LA, on June 24, 2023, from 10:00 AM till 12:00 PM with service presided by Rev. James “Bubba” Courtney starting at 12:00 PM. Graveside service will be held at Old Red Oak Cemetery following the service. In Lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a church of your choice.
4 comments
Gwen Thomas
June 24, 2023 at 4:39 am
Jackie and Jerry and the rest of the family, so sorry for your loss.
Julie & Carlton Ostteen
June 20, 2023 at 10:20 pm
Jackie and the rest of the children, If everyone could be like Clyde Jr. was, it would be such a loving and caring world we live in. He was always calling and checking on everyone in our family and was so good about sending me a Christmas card each year. He was the historian in the family. He knew all things about our families. He was my double first cousin. His Mother was my Dad’s sister, (Jackson). His Dad was my Mother’s brother, (Pitts). I will miss him dearly, but I know we will be with him in heaven when this life is over. Just know he loved each and everyone of his children and grandchildren. He often told me how blessed he was to have family close by. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this time. Just wish I was able to be there. Sending my love,
Julie Carolyn (Jackson) Ostteen
Marie Berry
June 20, 2023 at 5:50 am
I know he loved well and was well-loved!
I know he will be sorely missed, but will bring smiles in every thought of him, and to all who met him and knew him! I know he is rejoicing with our Savior and waiting patiently for us to join him! What a Mighty God we serve! Love you all! ❤️🙏🌷
Jeanette McBride
June 19, 2023 at 8:02 pm
God bless you all as you remember and even celebrate the life of your dad and granddad! I will always remember his sweet smiling face. I’m so happy to have met him! I’m sure he was welcomed by so many folks whose lives he made an impact on during his ministry for the Lord!!! And oh the songs he is singing to our Sweet Jesus!!!