MR. CHARLES ALFRED PITTS, SR.

There is a time and a season for everything under the heaven; a time to be born…on November 17, 1950, Charles Pitts greeted the world as the son of the now late Henry C. and Molly Julia Pitts in Wrens, GA. Charles was raised with Christian values in a Christian home and became affiliated with the Stone Springfield AME Church, church of his parents. During the course of his life, Charles became an intricate part and a pillar of the Wrens and Jefferson County Community.

There is a time to die; and if a man dies? Shall he live again? On Sunday afternoon, February 18, the heavens opened, and Charles stepped from time to eternity to embrace the arms of his kind and loving Father. Yes, he will live again…for those who believe in Him shall never die. With Him, Death is not a door to a meaningless void but a shinning gateway to a new life.

Let not your hearts be troubled, for in His house are many rooms. Charles has claimed his room. Charles attended the Jefferson County Public Schools and graduated in 1969, from the original Jefferson County High School. He was gainfully employed for more than forty years at Thermo King Corporation before his retirement. On November 27, 1971, Charles was united in holy matrimony to Carolyn Oliphant. On June 6, 1973, Charles and Carolyn welcomed their firstborn, Tiffany. On December 2, 2022, God, in all of His infinite wisdom, called Tiffany from labor to eternal rest.

Charles was a man of honor and strength. His humble and noble character endeared him to many. He was sought out for advice, leadership, and words of wisdom and encouragement. He was an entrepreneur as he owned and operated Pitts and Oliphant Rental Properties. He served on the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Board. After his retirement from Thermo King and because he still wanted to serve his community, he undertook a new career as a school bus driver and bus driver trainer for the Jefferson County School System. The children on his bus, the staffs from the schools that he served, the bus maintenance shop, and the Jefferson County School System loved and admired Charles for his commitment to his job, his dependability, and his unwavering support of public education. He was a former Steward and Steward Pro-Tem at the Stone Springfield AME Church. Charles held membership in the Gibraltar Lodge #265 Prince Hall Masons of which he was a Past Master. He was a Past Deputy District Grand Master of the Augusta Masonic District. He was a member and Past Worthy Patron of Paramount Chapter #337 Order of Eastern Star as well as Past District Patron the Augusta District of Eastern Star. Charles was a born leader and mentor; however, he honed his leadership skills by taking classes in leadership at Sandersville Technical College. Charles received many honors and accolades during the course of his life; however, the badge he wore most proudly was that of being a family man.

On Sunday, February 18, when Charles broke the shackles of Time to embrace a world eternal, he left hearts that will be forever void of his loving presence. Those most profoundly affected by his untimely death are his wife of fifty-two years, Carolyn Oliphant Pitts and his children: Charles (Al) Alfred, Jr. (Janzell), Shareka Pitts, and Stephanie Change all of Wrens.

Death claims the body; God claims the soul; it is left to the living to embrace the legacy of the dead. Charles’ legacy will live on through his siblings who loved him and doted on him, unconditionally. His siblings Lester (Debra) Pitts, Augusta; Henry Pitts, Hepzibah; Ella Mae (Eddie) Gibbons, Wrens; Gloria Leverett, Augusta; Larry (Rev. Minnie) Pitts, Wrens; Dorothy Holloway, Wrens; Julia Pitts, Augusta; Gary (Melody) Pitts, Hepzibah; Sedric Pitts, Wrens; Carla (Lewis) Wilburn, Lawrenceville; and Carl Pitts (Phyllis) Gainesville, will always hold dear the memories of their beloved Charles. One brother, Robert predeceased him. Charles will always be remembered lovingly and fondly by his sister-in-law Marilyn Maddox, Atlanta; a brother-in-law, Charles (Pamela) Oliphant, Wrens.

Charles’ grandchildren can attest that a grandfather’s love is eternal. He holds their tiny hands for a little while, but he holds his grandchildren’s hearts forever. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren: Nadia Maynard, Justin Pitts, Khia Shields (Deceased), Jamea Calloway, and Alayna Pitts. He also leaves one great grandchild, Zaylei Hill. Charles loved his godchildren: Keyshaun Lee, who lived with him; Kersti Davis Bolton, Pasadena, Maryland; and Austin Brown, Wrens. Carrie Davis and Patricia Blake were sisters-in-love to him and Carolyn. They will always remember the fun times they had with Charles and Carolyn at their home. Charles left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew and loved him. As he was a pillar in the community, he leaves many cousins, other relatives, acquaintances, and a plethora of sorrowful friends.