Remembering MSG William S. Pitts

MSG William S. Pitts, 48, of Fort Belvoir, died Monday in a multi-car accident on Route 1.

Master Sergeant Pitts served in the Army National Guard for more than 20 years. Before his passing, Pitts was on Title 10 active duty and was assigned to the bureau's Domestic Operations Current Operations Divison.

In an article on the National Guard website, many of Seargeant Pitts' colleagues remembered him as a hardworking soldier who was willing to learn more about his job.

“Sgt. 1st Class Pitts leaves a legacy for all to emulate, officer and enlisted alike,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Steven Howard, Domestic Operations and Joint Force Development sergeant major.

“We talked constantly, and he always wanted to know how to improve things; it was never just about him,” Howard said. “He wanted to know what he needed to do and learn so he could help others; he never took ‘no because I said so’ as an acceptable answer. He felt, as I do, that if a Soldier was in the same organization, they were his, and his goal and desire was to share with and improve all. He was one of our future leaders and will be missed.”

During his tenure, Master Sergeant Pitts was awarded with numerous honors, including the National Defense Service medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal.

He was posthumously promoted from Sergeant First Class to Master Sergeant on Tuesday, said Rose Richeson, National Guard spokeswoman.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki, and their three children, Crystal, Tonya, and Scott.

A memorial service was held at Fort Belvoir’s Main Chapel on Friday. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Mansfield, Georgia.

Arrangements are being handled by Wheeler & Harwell Funeral Home, 11405 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, GA 30016-3360, (770) 786-7111. The family has requested that any flowers, cards or donations be sent to the funeral home.