Rev. William Edward Pitts, age 91, of Thomaston, GA, died August 2, 2012 at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Rev. Pitts was born on July 15, 1921, in Troup County, GA, to the late Jim and Alice Daniel Pitts. He had lived in Upson County the majority of his life. Rev. Pitts was a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute. He served with the 25^th Infantry, Headquarters Division, stationed at Scofield Barracks, Honolulu, Hawaii and was there when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

Rev. Pitts was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Alice Pitts of Thomaston, brothers Merlon and Elton Pitts of Thomaston, brother Claude Pitts of Louisiana, and sister Lona Latimer of Jonesboro. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Smith Pitts of Thomaston.

Rev. Pitts was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He retired from Martha Mills as supervisor of the Supply room after 40 years of service. He owned and operated Pitts Pest Control, Inc., until his retirement in 1990. He retired as a Methodist Minister in the North Georgia Conference after 40 years of service. Locally, he served as minister of Zions Chapel Methodist church. He also served at churches in Pike, Spalding, and Monroe counties.

Rev. Pitts is survived by his wife, Doris Hale Pitts; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara “Bobbie” and James Yarbrough; grandson Alan (Kimberli) Yarbrough; great-grandchildren Tanner Yarbrough, Jessica, Jeannie, Abby Snyder; Kristina (Matthew) Coleman; and two great-great-grandchildren, Jalah and Phoebe Coleman. One nephew and three nieces also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with Rev. Judson Barnes, Rev. Andy Cunningham and Rev. John Yarbrough officiating. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Saturday, August 4, 2012, from 5-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Zions Chapel Methodist Church at 5991 Indian Trail, Thomaston, GA 30286.

Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.