William R. "Bill" Pitts

Bill was born on December 10, 1933, in Coffeyville, KS, and passed away on January 25, 2014, in Roseville, CA, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife Doris, his three children (Stephanie, Stacey, and Stephen), four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Bill and Doris wed on February 3, 1951, both age 17. Starting out as a ditch digger in Kern County, Bill worked his way up to become the youngest Chief Gauger at the Richfield Oil Corp. In 1965, he moved his family to northern California, where he became a firefighter for the Rancho Cordova Fire Department, a job he truly loved. In 1967, he further pursued this calling and joined the Sunnyvale Public Safety Department, where he served as both a firefighter and police officer. Bill excelled and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. It took a severe heart attack at the age of 39 to force Bill to leave the career he so deeply loved. Undaunted, he continued take on challenges and decided to move his family to Pollock Pines where he designed and built their new mountain home. He continued to work as an insurance claims investigator, as well as many happy years spent with the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

Bill was a wonderful husband and father, who was always there for his family as provider, mentor, and friend. Bill’s wit, humor, intellect, and love for his family were the stuff of legends, and his strength and character were without equal. His commanding presence and lively personality lit up the room every time he entered. Bill was a very sociable man, striking up conversations everywhere he went, and loved playing golf and pinochle. His family and friends will sorely miss him, more than words can say.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Friday January 31, 2014, at 11:00 AM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA, and a Memorial Service on February 1, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church at 2201 Benita Dr. in Rancho Cordova, CA at 11:00AM.

Arrangements under the direction of Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, Fair Oaks, CA.