Passing of VP-4 Vet David T. PITTS CDR USN (Ret) VP-4 1956 – 1958

I was informed by Susan Pitts of the passing of her husband, VP-4 Vet CDR David T. Pitts, who served in VP-4 from 1956 – 1958.

Condolence cards may be sent to :

Mrs. David T. Pitts

715 Chipandie Drive

Augusta, GA 30909

 AUGUSTA, Ga. – David Terrill Pitts, Sr., beloved husband of Susan B. Pitts, entered into rest July 2, 2013, and in exultation: For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Friends are invited to call at the home July 18th, between the hours of 5:00 and 7:00 PM, for a celebration of David’s life. A private family gathering will be held at the Pitts home the morning of July 19th under the leadership of Rev. Alan Smith, Associate Pastor, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Known early on as Skipper, and later as Davey, his youth was spent in a happy, competitive, and seemingly unwashed pursuit of fun, sports and adventure. He and his brother Petey were deprived of nothing since their parents had nothing, nothing material, but an abundance of love, and a concerted quest for excellence in education, more than made up for it. In addition to his wife of 33 years, other survivors are sons: LTC David Terrill Pitts, Ret. (Melissa), Augusta, GA; Rowland Whitney Pitts (Ryma), Bristow, VA; LTC Esli Terrill Pitts (Faith), Ft. Hood, TX; and daughter, Sarah R. Pitts, Augusta, GA; grandchildren: Chelsie of Auburn, WA; Sean and Kellie of Augusta, GA; Jessica and Angel, of Bristow, VA; Ashley and Alyssa, Ft. Hood, TX, Kelly and Veronica of Everett, WA; great-grandchildren: Lucas and Blaine; sister-in-law, Jocelyn Milner Pitts, Pasadena, CA, and nephews: Dr. Andrew Pitts (Sara), Dover, DE and Jonathan Pitts (Jiho), Baltimore, MD; niece, Amy Pitts Buckner (Matthew), Pasadena, CA; great-nephews: Will and Hank; and great-niece: Johanna. Also survived by special furry friend, Butch, and special family friend, Wesley T. Pearson (daughter’s companion). He was preceded in death by parents: Ferris Newcomb and Florence Austin Morris Pitts of Webster Groves, MO; brother: Dr. Ferris N. (Pete) Pitts, Jr. of Pasadena, CA; and former wife, Mary Ann Barden Pitts of Oak Harbor, WA; and son, Thomas Barden Pitts (Tanya), of Everett, WA. After graduating from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School in Maplewood, MO, he received a full scholarship to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in English and Naval Science. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science degree from the University of South Carolina where he enjoyed a year’s attendance with his wife. Upon completion of flight training at Pensacola, FL, he was designated a Naval Aviator and he experienced a variety of squadron assignments culminating in duties as a fighter pilot, primarily flying his favorite aircraft, the McDonnell-Douglass F-4 Phantom II. He was interested in aviation safety and completed a twenty-six year career without accident or injury, which led to a job as acceptance test pilot at the Rockwell International production facility at Columbus, OH. David and Susan were married in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. After arriving in Augusta, David became the Naval Science Instructor at both Westside and Glenn Hills High Schools, and the couple found a wonderful community of loving friends through their church home: Aldersgate United Methodist. Once both became librarians, David and Susan were affiliated with several local libraries. Their primary pursuit was Christian mission work, and their greatest achievement will always remain putting down family roots in their adopted hometown, Augusta, GA. Loving thanks and recognition to the following individuals and organizations for their unmatched professional care: Dr. Nasha Nayak and staff of the Georgia Health Sciences Cancer Center; Dr. Roger Fincher, Gastroenterology Dept., and Dr. Derek Baudoin, Family Care Center, Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center. Thanks and appreciation also to Augusta Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, of which David was a founding member; Magnolia Garden Club; College Hill Chapter, DAR; Susannah Wesley Circle, Good News Gospel Choir, Leigh Cupp, the Youth Group under Shelly Martin, and the rest of our church family at Aldersgate. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Military Missions, Aldersgate U.M.C., 3185 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909.

Published in The Augusta Chronicle on July 7, 2013

Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager