Samuel Pitts

November 17, 1935 - June 21, 2019

Samuel Pitts, son of the late Clayburn and Fannie Milligan Pitts, was born on November 17, 1935 in Sumter, South Carolina and entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 21, 2019. Samuel was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from St. Michael High School. On May 18, 1958, he married the love of his life, Rhunetta Dupree. And to this marriage, they were blessed with four children. Samuel was employed by Nu-Idea Supply Co., Sumter Department of Transportation, and retired as a Supervisor at Carolina Furniture Company. After retirement, he fulfilled his life as a skilled craftsman, enjoyed gardening, watching sports and also helping others in whatever capacity needed. Samuel accepted Christ at an early age and united himself with St. Paul AME Church family where he grew spiritually and served faithfully for many years. After marriage, he joined his wife at her home church, Union Station AME, and continued to devote himself spiritually to the calling of God’s will. At Union Station, he served faithfully as Trustee, Trustee Pro-Tem, Class Leader, and a member of the male chorus and Sons of Allen. He served as the chaplain of the Union Station Sons of Allen, and in a larger role as chaplain of the Sumter District Sons of Allen for many years. As church sexton, he devoted his time to the physical upkeep of the church and grounds for numerous years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rhunetta Dupree Pitts; two sons: Samuel Leon “Len” Pitts and Karl Stuart Pitts; seven brothers: Herbert, Cornell, Lewis, Elijah, Clayborn, Marion, and Howard; five sisters: Julia Hutlin, Rachel Harvin, Elizabeth Frierson, Maria Gooden and Naomi Walker. Samuel leaves to cherish his precious memories: his son, Rodney Rydell Pitts of Sumter and his daughter, Denise Pitts (Samuel) Addison of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren: Zachary Clayburn Pitts, Nicholas Rydell Pitts, Moriah Denise Addison, Rodney Daniel Pitts, and Miranda Dupree Addison; four brothers: Albert of Indianapolis, Indiana, Ernest (Clara) of Fort Washington, MD, James (Bernice) and Ervin (Lottie) of Sumter, SC; daughter in law: Jere Daniels Pitts; sisters-in law: Mae Dupree Meggie, Viola Pitts and Rev. Lou Pitts Conyers; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.