Alfred Wright Pitts, Jr.

Alfred Wright “A.W.” Pitts, Jr., age 87, of Bailey went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Born October 24, 1938, he was the eldest son of the late Alfred Wright Pitts and Beulah Dew Pitts.

A 1957 graduate of Bailey High School, he worked as a bookkeeper for Glover Milling Company in the Green Pond Community of Nash County. In 1971, he became a full-time steward of the land and was joined in partnership by his youngest brother, Eugene, the following year. After his retirement in 2000, he continued to actively support the family farm as long as his health permitted.

A.W.’s life revolved around his faith, family and farming. With a kind, patient and humble demeanor, he instilled in his family the values of integrity and honesty, as well as, a hard work ethic. A.W. faithfully served at White Oak Hill FWB Church and fulfilled several roles including deacon, trustee and Sunday School superintendent. He served his country as a member of the US Army meeting lifelong friends and travel partners, Fred and Joan Bryson of Charleston, Tennessee. A.W. served his community as a charter member of the Stanhope Community Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as treasurer and later as a board member.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bernice Ann Moss Pitts; son Alfred “Al” Wright Pitts, III and wife Jennifer; daughter Amy Pitts Bissette and husband Scott; granddaughter Allison Pitts Rodriguez and husband Alex; grandson Brandon Wallace Pitts and wife Lauren; and great-grandchildren, Elliott “Eli” Rey Rodriguez, Olivia Blair Pitts and Joseph Wright Rodriguez. He also leaves behind five siblings, Eddie Joe Pitts and wife Judy, Dewey Pitts and wife Anne, Geraldine Pitts Tuck and husband Donald, Eugene Pitts and wife Earlene, and Sue Pitts Keeny and husband Tim; a brother-in-law Steve Moss and wife Phyllis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, January 6th, 2026 at Joyner's Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Pkwy W, Wilson, NC 27896 from 4:00pm until 5:45pm, with the service following at 6:00pm. Reverend Reuben Cason will officiate. Family burial will be Wednesday morning.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to be made in A.W.’s memory to

Stanhope Community Volunteer Fire Department, 4416 West NC 97, Spring Hope, NC 27882

Or

White Oak Hill FWB Church - Sonshine Club, 3967 West Hornes Church Road, Bailey, NC 27807

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net