1SG John Wayne Pitts (RET)

1SG John Wayne Pitts, was born February 13, 1949 in Richmond, VA to Cary Bernard and Goldie Roberta (Wiley) Pitts and has lived in this area since 1986. 1SG Pitts retired from the US Army in 1993 after serving 22 years, and 9 months with tours in Vietnam and two tours in Korea. Among his medals he received Meritorious Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Service Stars, NCO Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon Numeral 2, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge (Mechanic), Expert Badge Rifle, Expert Badge Pistol, Drill Sergeants Identification Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge w/Palm, and National Defense Service Medal w/1 Service Star.

He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #6577, a lifetime member of Chapter TX #2 Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post #0582 of Copperas Cove and a member of the NRA.

Mr. Pitts passed away September 5, 2010, in a Killeen Hospital. Mr. Pitts was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, William, Russell and Bernard Pitts all of Virginia.

Survivors include his wife, of 29 years, Joyce Pitts of Copperas Cove; his children, Richard and Dorothy Schmelia of VA, Robert Schmelia of NJ, Brian and Amy Schmelia of NJ, Joyce Anne (Pitts) and Charlie Jones of Killeen, John Wayne Pitts Jr. of VA, and Leah Roller of VA; 12 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association or the American Diabetes Association.