Richard Alton "Dick" PITTS

PITTS, Richard Alton "Dick"

79, of Tampa, died on December 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol Jean Bryant Pitts; five sons, Richard Pitts Jr., Greg Pitts (Jennifer), Todd Pitts, Chad Herndon, Todd Herndon (Shellie); 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A special tribute to his son, Greg and Jennifer Pitts, who were always with him in the last five months of his life, which was an invaluable comfort to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Richard Pitts and Retha Haman Pitts; siblings, Haman Pitts, Raymond Pitts, Charles Pitts, Wayne Pitts, Ruth Warren, and Geraldine Williams. As per his wishes, a party will be held to celebrate his life.

Born in Vero Beach, but moved to the Ruskin area where he spent his youth attending local schools, graduating in 1956 from Wimauma High School. He attended the University of Florida on a football scholarship, then also played at the University of Tampa. His high school years were spent excelling in all sports, but his claim to fame was his national record 103 points scored in his high school basketball game, a record that still stands today.

His younger adult life was spent in sales, growing large acres of tomatoes, owning his own business installing underground utilities, finally retiring from General/Continental Tire as a truck tire factory representative after 25 years. The ultimate night owl, avid reader, excellent card player all his life, poker and gin his favorites, loved golf, very fortunate to have played Augusta National.

He thoroughly enjoyed his 16 years of retirement back in the Tampa area after so many years and miles on the road. He always said he did a lot of windshield time, but loved his freedom behind the wheel. I hope you found your car and are on the most enjoyable ride ever. Forever, your girl CJ