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Sherman Pitts Obituary
September 14, 1941 - May 23, 2022
Myakka, Florida - Sherman E. "Gene" Pitts, 80 passed away on May 23, 2022. He was born in Tampa, Florida on September 14, 1941. He graduated in 1959 from Hillsborough High School in Tampa. He moved to the Bradenton area in 1974. Gene joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school and served until his Honorable Discharge. He served on active duty and as a Marine Corps Reservist. He was a member of the National USMC Pistol Team and Rifle Team. He was a Distinguished Shooter in both Pistol and Rifle. During his shooting career he was also a marksmanship instructor. He won many local, State and National matches both as a team member and an individual shooter. A few of his national trophies include: The Edison Trophy Badge, The McMillian Trophy, and the Army Reserve Championship. He was honored to be called to duty and serve during Desert Storm.
Gene was one of the original founders of the Manatee County Gun and Archery Club. He was a devoted attendee to Camp Perry National Matches as a shooter then as a volunteer. His passions included teaching people how to shoot from youth through adults and taking care of his ranch and garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents Doris Cunningham and Sherman Pitts, his brother Kenny Pitts, and his son-in-law Emmette "Bunky" Burton.
Gene is survived by his wife of 37 years, Karen (Vasichek) Pitts, sister Mary (Kenny) Stouffer, and two daughters, Julie Burton of Bradenton, and Gina (Bobby) Purdy of Sarasota. He had 5 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Services will be held on June 10,, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the funeral.
In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to a shooting organization or local animal rescue.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sherman Pitts
6 Entries
Neal D. Waldron
July 24, 2022
Great to meet and work w/ Gene, way good tower talker. Just finished pistol 2022 at C.P. 3rd year for CMP. My addiction is C.P. not the nationals. The NRA treated us like gold. The CMP treats us like diamond studded platinum. Prayers from us Neal&Pam
Debbie Kilpatrick
June 16, 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting Gene Pitts about 50 years ago at the original Manatee County Gun & Archery Club off of Lena Road. He taught me how to shoot and encouraged me to compete, which I did. He was like a father figure to me. One of the most genuine men you could ever met. He loved talking about the time he spent teaching Marines how to shoot at Camp LeJeune. And, he always had a place in his heart for folks wanting to learn how to shoot. I learned from the best and I'll never forget him. He put his heart and soul in to the current Manatee County Gun Range. He fought like hell for it. He was a great friend. I will miss you Gunny! Semper Fi!
Danny Burke, President MCDSA
June 9, 2022
Gene had a passion for training (yes, not just teaching) people how to safely handle firearms. After the teaching must come training. More of us who know how to, should follow closely in his footsteps. We must train those responsible for the safety of our children the capability to defend them (and themselves) at the drop of a hat! Train our teachers (the shepherds of our sheep). Harden our schools, and other places of vulnerability. Semper Fi my friend. What a Great American!
Mitt
June 9, 2022
Really enjoyed conversations with. Gene when I was at the Manatee County Range. He always had a good story and I was thankful to know him. Rest easy Marine.
Marines of the Marine Corps League Naples, Florida
June 5, 2022
The U.S. Marines, Navy Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen, FMF Chaplains, and Associate Members of the E. T Brisson Detachment #063 of the Marine Corps League in Naples, Florida, hereby salute and recognize Sherman "Gene" Pitts for serving God and his country by becoming a United States Marine. We honor his memory and valiant service to our Corps and our great Nation. Please accept our heartfelt sentiments as a token of our esteem and admiration of his L´Esprit du Corps. Semper Fidelis.
Hajek Family (Mike, Diane, Scott, Robby & Kevin), Parrish FL
June 2, 2022
Our sincerest sympathies to Karen and family. Gene taught the boys alot. Very grateful for Gene for that and for your friendship. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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