- Date Of Birth: May 2, 1932
- Date Of Death: April 17, 2021
- State: Texas
Col. Charles Pitts, USAF Retired, May 2, 1932 – April 17, 2021.
Charles (Charlie) Russell Pitts beloved son, brother, father and USAF officer born May 02, 1932 passed away on April 17, 2021.
Charlie was born in Spokane, Washington. The family relocated to Minnesota which is where Charlie grew up with his older brother Kenneth and parents. He attended the University at St. Cloud, but felt the calling to serve and protect, and joined the new Air Force that was growing rapidly. He joined and was quickly sent to Waco, Texas. It was there that he declared- “Texas is now my home state, and someday I will return for good.” He made new lifelong friends, learned to fly large planes, and explored the farming communities around Waco.
Soon he was transferred to Kansas, where he would meet the love of his life, Delores Young, a Kindergarten school teacher. They were married 63 years and would travel the world with the Air Force, have three children, four grandchildren, one step grandchild and finally settle in Fort Worth.
Charlie had an extensive military career. His final rank was a Colonel serving over 27 years, including: a tour during the Vietnam War, Germany, the Air War College, and numerous trainings. The highest medal to be awarded was the Distinguished Flying Cross. His children for years, did not realize the valor and dedication that went into his illustrious military career.
Charlie served his final duty station at Carswell AFB, Ft. Worth as the Vice Wing Commander. Landing in the great state of Texas, with numerous friends close by, he retired in Ft. Worth. He then found employment with Harris Graphics, which had sites in Tarrant County. He worked his way up in the organization. In the late 80’s it was purchased by the Heidelberger group, a German company.
It was Heidelberg Harris, and Charlie fit right in. He and Dee would even go to Mexico to run the operations for the company for a period of time. After working for several more years, Charlie and Dee returned to Ft. Worth and settled into a true retirement. That meant: traveling to see all family, attending Strategic Air Command reunions, going to the farm and just enjoying life. Charlie was always there if anyone needed to borrow a tool, and would help anyone out of a tight spot. He was the patriarch of the family and loved being the Papa or Grandpa Charlie to his four grandchildren.
Charlie is survived by his daughter Kristen Jefferson and husband Dave Jefferson of Belton, TX, son Russell (Russ) Pitts and wife Lynn Carnes- Pitts, Lake Lure, NC, son Andrew Pitts and wife Leslie Echols-Pitts, Colleyville, TX. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Michael Jefferson, Anna Jefferson, Nolan Pitts and Dillon Pitts, step grandchild Jennifer Maneely.
