Jerry Pitts, Sr.

Jerry Len Pitts Sr., 75, died Nov 25, 2018 at UMMC in Jackson. He was born, November 29, 1942 in Terry, MS to Clyde Pitts Sr. and Mary Claude Davis.

He was a 1961 graduate of Byram High School where he played football and baseball. Mr. Pitts was a retired salesman, as well as a professional musician for over 50 years, who wrote songs for many artists in the 60’s and 70’s such as Hank Williams Jr., Tammy Wynette, Farron Young, Jody Miller, and Roy Rodgers. He also played bass for Waylon Jennings, Tex Ritter, and Wilma Buress. Other highlights from his music career were playing at the Grand Ole Opry in 1966, and was on the TV show Hee Haw twice.

He loved watching college football and baseball, especially his Ole Miss Rebels. He loved going on cruises, camping at Fort Pickens in Florida, and playing Christmas songs on his guitar as the family sat around him and sang along. He especially loved playing the songs that he had written for anyone who paid him a visit. He was most proud of the ones he wrote for his beloved wife, Janice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clyde Pitts Jr., grandson, Kristopher Matthew Pitts, daughter-in-law, Janice Rutledge Pitts, and son-in-law, Paul McCain.

He loved his family dearly and leaves behind his love of 56 years, Janice Sarrett Pitts, sons Jerry Len Pitts Jr. (Vicki) and Larry Lenn Pitts (Shelby), daughters Debra Lynn Pitts McCain and Patricia Lyn Pitts Watson, Half-brother, Don Armstrong (Shay), Half-Sister, Nancy Pitts Welch, Grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Pitts, Amber Lynn Pitts, Tara Ward Herron (Steve), Garry Pitts (Claudia), Randy Watson (Megan), T. J. Ward (Lyndsay), David Watson (Michelle), Jessica Pitts Davis (Brandon), Samantha Norman Ashley (Jarrett), and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5pm until 8pm Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon and again Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 1pm until 2pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 2pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon. Burial will be at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.