Richard Eugene Pitts "Pete"

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Eugene Pitts, lovingly known as Pete. He departed from this world at Willow Creek Nursing Facility in Byram, MS on February 10, 2026, at 4:44 a.m. at the age of 91. He was a life-long resident of Jackson, MS.

Pete was born on December 14, 1934, in Jackson, MS. He was the son of John Nelson and Linnie Eugenia Covington Pitts. Pete received his education from Central High School in Jackson, MS. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for one year and then went on to become a draftsman at Mercury Maps. He spent 25 years with the City of Jackson Fire Department retiring as Chief of Communications. He was very proud of his career with the fire department, even at the end of his life. On June 6, 1958, he married the love of his life, Bobbye Nell “Tew” Pitts, and their loved lasted 67 years.

Pete is survived by his wife, Bobbye, his daughter, Kristi Pitts Mullen, his granddaughter, Kayla Mullen Tharp, (Ryan Tharp, husband), his great-granddaughter Autumn Rose Tharp, his grandson, Kevin James Mullen, (Kansas Mullen, wife), his great-granddaughter, Emerson James Mullen and another great-granddaughter to be blessed with later this year. He is also survived by many other family members whom he dearly loved. Pete was a remarkable individual who led a very fulfilling life, a very fun life! That’s how Pete would want to be remembered. He loved telling jokes, agitating everyone around him, going on vacations, especially to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA, taking cruises, swimming, going out to eat, and loved celebrating his birthday!

Pete was a remarkable man who led a very fulfilling life, a very fun life! That’s how Pete would want to be remembered. He loved telling jokes, agitating everyone around him, going on vacations, especially to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA, Disney World, taking cruises, swimming, going out to eat, and loved celebrating his birthday! Most of all, Pete had a very strong Christian faith, and he knew where he was going when he departed this world. He was a long time member of Highland Baptist Church, Woodville Heights Baptist Church and most recently, a member of Alta Woods Baptist Church in Jackson, MS for over the past 20 years.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2024, at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, MS. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the service at 12:00 p.m. After the burial at the graveside, everyone is invited to a lunch reception at the funeral home. Pete would love one last party to commemorate a life worth celebrating!