Lt. Billy Joe Pitts
Ward Wilson Funeral Home and CrematoryViewed: 4401
Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Jan 20 2016 4:27 PM
Lt. Billy “Joe” Pitts
January 2, 1943 – January 19, 2016
Lt. Joe Pitts of Dothan, Alabama went to join his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. Joe was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle and friend.
Born January 2, 1943 in Henry County to the late G. W. and Katie Nell Davis Pitts, Joe was a resident of Houston County for most of his life. He graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1961 then later earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at Enterprise Junior College. At an early age, he decided to serve his community and country.
Joe started working at WTVY as a cameraman when he was only in the 9th grade and stayed there until his graduation from high school. He went on to work with a national television network in Dallas, Texas. Joe then joined the United States Navy, serving in a nuclear engineering position aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Upon his return home to Dothan, Joe was hired as a Houston County Deputy by Sheriff A.B. Clark. His tenure with the Sheriff’s Department began in 1967 where he served in patrol, investigation, narcotics, multiple supervisory positions, and jail - courthouse security commander until his retirement in 2001.
Joe was instrumental in the development of the Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranch of Alabama. He was asked to testify in Washington, D.C. before the United States Senate on the topic of drug trafficking and intervention which led to the formation of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
He was also a Mason and dedicated his time to many community causes in the Dothan – Houston County area. Some of his most enjoyable times were out in nature. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and conservationist.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, G.W. Pitts and Katie Nell Pitts, aunts Thelma Whatley and Lucille Adams, sister-in-law Norma Jean Johnson.
Mr. Pitts is survived by his loving daughter Billye Jo Pitts Riday and husband Ryan, brother Roy E. Johnson, sister Barbara Everett and husband Terry, nephew Ken Johnson and dear friend Ramona Saliba.
A memorial ceremony celebrating Joe’s life will be held at Ward Wilson Funeral Home in Dothan on Friday, January 22, 2016 at 6:00 PM. The family will receive friends after the service.
The family will be accepting flowers or contributions may be made to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund 901 E Street NW, Ste 100, Washington DC 20004-2025
Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home Cemetery and Crematory
2414 Hartford Highway
Dothan, Alabama 36305
334-792-4194
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