Earl Thomas Pitts

January 20, 1954 – September 8, 2025

It is with great love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Earl Thomas “Tom” Pitts, age 71, of St. Cloud, Florida, who entered eternal rest on September 8, 2025. He had previously lived in Apopka, Florida, before moving to St. Cloud.

Tom was born in Miami Beach, Florida, on January 20, 1954, to Fred Calvin Pitts and Theresa Mary Powell Pitts. He attended North Scituate Senior High School in Scituate, Rhode Island, and later earned his Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Mathematics from SUNY. From an early age, he was known for his fun-loving personality and quick wit. Tom was a natural jokester who could bring a smile to anyone’s face, and he carried with him a lifelong love for the New England Patriots, proudly cheering them on through every season.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting in 1972 in Rhode Island and achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served as a lineman and was stationed for five years at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. He later served as a flight simulator specialist for five years at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in Plattsburgh, New York. After retiring from the military, Tom worked in the private sector as an engineer in the field of power and energy, most recently at Mitsubishi Electric, from which he retired in July 2022.

Tom was active in fraternal organizations from a young age. He served as DeMolay Master Councilor and was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Florida, later becoming a Master Mason in Panama City, Florida. He was also involved in the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant state committee, serving as Scholarship Chairman and Director of Security, helping support young women in achieving their educational goals.

Above all, Tom cherished his family. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Rebecca “Becky” Avella Pitts. He was a doting father and grandfather who never missed an opportunity to support them from the audience. He is survived by his two daughters, Amy Pitts Nehls and Jennifer Pitts McKenna; and his son-in-law, Kenneth John McKenna. He was the proud grandfather of eight: Robert Thomas Shaw, Meghan Marie Shaw, Hailey Ruth Shaw, Elizabeth Ann Smith, Kady Anne McKenna, Kenley Grace McKenna, Kullen Leigh McKenna, and Kenneth John “Jack” McKenna, Jr.

He also leaves behind his mother, Theresa, sister, Sandra Pitts Vansickle (Ken), and brother, David Alvin Pitts (Kim), along with countless friends and loved ones whose lives he touched.

Tom enjoyed anything related to aviation, the Air Force, and the Space Force, and he loved sharing that enthusiasm with family and friends. He never missed watching a rocket launch. He also cherished traveling, having journeyed to almost every continent and US state, and recently enjoyed a memorable vacation to Europe with his loved ones. Additionally, he enjoyed researching his genealogy, was an avid videographer, and served as the self-appointed family photo historian, documenting memories for generations to come. Friends and family will remember him most for his laughter, his warmth, and his ability to make every gathering brighter.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, U.S. Route 1, Mims, Florida, where he will be laid to rest with honor.

Tom lived a life rooted in love, laughter, and devotion. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy will continue through the family and friends he so deeply loved.

We ask that you consider a donation in memoriam to one or more of the following organizations as these organizations represent both veterans and the Miss America Organization, two of his greatest loves.

Florida Veteran’s Foundation

https://www.helpflvets.org/donate

Make checks payable to:

Florida Veterans Foundation, 2601 S. Blairestone Rd C300, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Miss Florida Scholarship Program

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=NADSE5FQEY4M6

Make checks payable to:

The Miss Florida Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 92865, Lakeland, FL 33804

Miss North Carolina Program c/o the North Carolina Educational Scholarship Fund, Inc.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/scholarship-donation-6

Make checks payable to:

NC Educational Scholarship Fund, Inc. PO Box 5263, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Miss Virginia Organization c/o the Margaret R. Baker Charitable Foundation, Inc.

https://margaretbaker.org/?page_id=2646

Make checks payable to:

Margaret Baker Foundation, c/o Lori Gravely, Treasurer, 3061 Briarwood Court, Harrisonburg, VA 22801