First Sergeant John Wayne Pitts, USA, Retired

First Sergeant John Wayne Pitts, USA, Retired


John Pitts was born February 13, 1949 in Richmond, Virginia and passed away September 5, 2010, at the age of 61, in a Killeen, Texas hospital.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army for 22 years, 9 months, with tours of duty in Vietnam and Korea.  He retired in 1993 at the rank of First Sergeant.  Among his many military decorations were the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement, seven awards of the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

At the time of his passing he was a member of the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the NRA.

Funeral Services were held September 10, 2010 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends. 

At the conclusion of the services, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter while final prayers were said, and full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard.

A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The Army bugler played taps, and the flag that draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to John’s dear wife, of 29 years, on behalf of a grateful country and the United States Army.

First Sergeant John Pitts was then laid to rest on the sloping plain, over looking the Texas hill country.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joyce, seven children, 12 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.