Tribute to
Kenneth Pitts by his wife,
René Gault Pitts (76)
[posted Valentine's Day 2006]
Most of you
remember Kenneth for his outgoing, friendly
personality, his sense of humor and his athletic
accomplishments. He lettered in football and
wrestling. He was the only sophomore to letter in
football (1973-1974), Best Offensive Lineman
(74-75), Outstanding Lineman (75-76) and other
sports highlights too numerous to mention. This big,
tough, guy surprisingly had a very gentle, serious,
and romantic side to him as well. Our senior year
together was a very happy time for us and we married
a year later on August 1, 1977.
Kenneth loved his
work. He was a Union Carpenter and served as Labor
Representative Trustee and Joint Apprentice &
Training Committee Member and President of the
Carpenters Local Union 345. Kenneth was a Christian,
a member of Raleigh Baptist Church and the Bartlett
Masonic Lodge. We were married almost 9 years when
he passed away.
Kenneth's untimely
passing was due to a very tragic work related
accident on June 17, 1986. He got a call
that morning from Ricky Collum, a close friend and
football buddy from grade school and high school,
asking to help him with some work. Kenneth and
another worker were electrocuted when their
scaffolding touched a power line. Ricky was a great help to
me during that most difficult time and I know it was
devastating for him as well.
Kenneth was a
loving, generous man with a heart as big as he was.
He was a wonderful husband and my best friend. It is
hard to believe that this June 2006 marks 20 years
since his passing. I have warm, loving memories of
him and still miss him very much.
