Mr. John Mell Pitts, 95, of Elberton, GA, husband of nearly 70 years to Claudia Bennett Vinson Pitts, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at his residence.
The youngest of five, Mr. Pitts was born in the Palmetto Community of Oglethorpe County, GA, on November 19, 1929. He grew up in Tignall, GA, shining shoes in his daddy’s barber shop. He was an avid camper and enjoyed playing mandolin and guitar with the boys in the community. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a staff sergeant in the 1st Infantry Division “The Big Red 1” during the Korean War as a border guard on the Czech border.
Upon returning home, he married Claudia, and they began their life together in Elbert County. He loved being outside and enjoyed hunting and fishing every chance he got. He was known in the county as the best painter around and was always in high demand. Over his 50 years working, he painted most of the homes around town. After his retirement, you could find him at Southern Farm and Hardware sitting with others solving the world’s problems. He and Claudia had two children: Tony and Tiffany. He was very proud of both of them and their families. He attended First Baptist Church of Elberton.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Claudia, are his son, Tony Mell Pitts and his wife Paula of Clarkesville; daughter, Tiffany Pitts Haltom and her husband Mark of Elberton; grandchildren: Brittany Pitts (Jordan) Anderson, Brandi Logan Pitts, Rebecca Morgan Haltom (Avary) Corder, Georgia Grace Haltom, and Violet Elizabeth Haltom; great-grandchildren: Autry Jax Anderson, Sawyer Lane Anderson, and Kinsley Reece Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Onnie Mell Pitts and Ruth M. Bell Pitts, and siblings: Elmer Pitts, Marvin Pitts, Jannie Pitts Carlisle, and Onzell Pitts Pruitt.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 10, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Elberton. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Burial will be at the Tignall Baptist Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to the local charity of one’s choice.
Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. John Mell Pitts.
