George Pitts

George went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 4, 2025 in Tyler, TX with his family by his side. Welcoming him home were his Dad, who he hadn’t seen in 73 years, his Mama, as he affectionately called her, and his 5 siblings.

George was born June 12, 1936 to George Ben Pitts and Ethel Watson Pitts in the China Grove Community. He was the fifth of six children and a fifth generation Texan. His family came to Texas from Tennessee in 1840.

During his early years, at the end of the Great Depression, his family would move to McAdoo in West Texas. He attended McAdoo schools where he enjoyed playing basketball and being involved in other school activities. During his freshman year his father was killed in an auto accident, leading him to move to Spur, TX where he lived with his older brother. While in Spur he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized in a small church at the age of 16. He would move again during his sophomore year to Haskell TX and graduated in 1954. While at Haskell High he played basketball and was voted FHA Beau.

After receiving his high school diploma at the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy and took his first plane ride to Sasebo, Japan where he served in the Far Eastern theatre aboard the USS Chimon-AKS-31 and later aboard the USS Ajax- AR6. While there he obtained the rank of E5 Second Petty Class officer. He served his country from 1954-1958 and said , “I enjoyed serving my country and feel that it was much more serving me.”

After honorable discharge from the Navy he moved back to Canton, TX and attended Tyler Jr. College until he found a job with Western Union Telegraph Company. Starting as a lineman, he would eventually end up as a tech in the downtown Dallas office. During this time he met the love of his life Mary Walters at Canton’s annual carnival. He has said, “I fell in love the first time I laid eyes on her.” In 1961 they were united in marriage and stayed married 63 years until his death.

In 1988 he would take early retirement from Western Union. At this time, his wife Mary, was a realtor with McMahan Realty. They were presented the offer to buy the office and in 1988 started Pitts Realty. George obtained a Texas real estate license and then his broker’s license. George particularly enjoyed showing the farm and ranch land. He held and maintained an active license until the time of his death and remained broker of the office for over 35 years.

In 1966 he purchased 6 purebred Charolais heifers and a bull from the Royal M Ranch in Mixon, TX. This was the start of Circle P Ranch. He enjoyed raising cattle and the lifestyle as much as anything. He had many bulls that sold across Northeast Texas into Central Texas and Southern Oklahoma. He enjoyed the thrill of the auction and the buyers. He also enjoyed a cold beer after a long hot day in the hayfield and a good poker game.

George was well known around Canton and beyond for his good work ethic and detail to everything he did. He developed many friendships over the course of his life at Western Union, the sale barn and the real estate office. His most treasured friendships were with the people at the office.

George was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton, TX and a Master Mason with the Masonic Lodge. He also proudly supported St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Although health issues made him step back a few years ago, he was still called upon to give advice and input whenever needed. You could still find him in his truck at the pasture looking over the cows. But his best times were spent with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.

He was preceded in death by his father Ben Pitts, mother Ethel Pitts Friday, stepfather George Friday, brothers J.B Pitts, Billy Jack Pitts (Nell) and Robert Pitts. Sisters Wanda Peters and Thelma Holt (Wes). Father-in-law Lertis Walters, Mother-in-law Gladys Walters. Nephews, Mike Pitts, Shoel Ross, and Carey Walters. Nieces, Beverly Holt and Rhonda Scroggins.

He is survived by his wife Mary Pitts, son Craig Pitts, daughter Cindy Malouf (Mike) and daughter Lisa Rose. Grandsons Garrett Rose (Madi), Stephen Malouf and Patrick Malouf. Granddaughter Brinlee Pitts (fiancé Mason Magers) Great grandchildren Ripley and Lennon Rose. Brother-in-law Danny Walters (Paula) and sister-in-law Wyvonne Pitts. Along with 10 nieces and 7 nephews and many other relatives and friends.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Christus Trinity Mother Francis hospital and the Louis and Peaches Owens Heart Center along with the dedicated nursing and palliative care team they have, especially Jackie and David and Matt.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Malouf, Patrick Malouf, Garrett Rose, Donny Davis, Buddy Edwards, John Busch and Dave Dosier.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.