Johnny Ray Pitts, Sr.

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Mr. Johnny Ray Pitts, Sr., 71, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford (601 Commerce Pkwy., Oxford, MS 38655). A memorial service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m., also at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. Interment will be at Yellow Leaf Cemetery (50 CR 435, Oxford, MS 38655). Bro. Fish Robinson will officiate. Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Pitts was born in Sumner, MS on March 13, 1953 to Carlis and Minnie Pitts. From a young age, Mr. Pitts developed an incredible work ethic. He started learning to work on vehicles as a young boy and spent his entire life perfecting his trade. His life is a true example of what you can achieve with enough hard work and determination. Mr. Pitts worked tirelessly and never missed an opportunity to learn from others. He not only worked on vehicles, but developed his trade to working on tractors as well. He became an incredible automotive and tractor technician with over 40 years of experience. After he had to retire, Mr. Pitts still never stopped working. For the past 5 years he has made tables out of old wood and metal. Also, he often worked as a consultant to others, as he could nearly tell someone how to fix a vehicle or a tractor over the phone. Apart from his work ethic, Mr. Pitts was known for being quite the talented man. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing. He was also known for making gardens and growing incredible tomatoes. He also had a knack for playing the guitar. This fueled his love for music, especially Classical Rock. You almost could never find Mr. Pitts sitting still because if he had nothing else to do, you could always find him tinkering on something in his shop. Above all, Mr. Pitts was a true man of honor and integrity. He raised his family and engrained in them the importance of taking care of each other and loving each other. He was the most amazing father and grandfather, never missing any kind of event, no matter the circumstances. He loved his family and his wife fiercely, and he was such a light and example to so many others. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Mr. Pitts is survived by his loving wife, Susie Pitts of Oxford; his daughter, Peggie (George) Wilson of Oxford; his son, Johnny Ray Pitts, Jr., of Oxford; three granddaughters, Sophie (Caden) Pitts-Noonan, Gabriella Anne Wilson, and Alexandria Estell Wilson, all of Oxford; his sister, Lois Townsend of Drew, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Mr. Pitts was preceded in death by his parents, Carlis Pitts and Minnie Estell Pitts; two sisters, Janette Kinard and Lavern Gilmer; and one brother, Charles Pitts. Donations and memorials in honor of Mr. Johnny Ray Pitts, Sr., may be made to the donor’s choice of the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate). Online condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.

Johnny Ray Pitts, Sr.

March 13, 1953 - January 18, 2025

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