William Pitts

It is with a heavy heart that the family of William Pitts announces his peaceful passing on October 17th, 2018 at the age of 69. Known affectionately as "Bill" to his family and friends, he is often remembered for his imposing physical stature that was a paradox to his warm and compassionate personality. A native of Pensacola, Florida Bill traveled extensively within his military family and graduated from high school in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Volunteering himself bravely during the Vietnam Conflict, Bill served from 1967 to 1971 in the United States Navy aboard both the USS Southerland and USS Perkins in the Gulf of Tonkin where he made countless lifelong friendships with his shipmates and fellow servicemen. Upon his completion of military service, Bill moved to Las Cruces in 1973 where he met his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth. A skilled tradesman, Bill opened Horizon Mechanical in 1977 and served the Las Cruces community for over 30 years where he grew his family and business. An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed fishing and traveling. Cup of black coffee always in hand, Bill was known to his family as a man who could fix nearly anything; a loving Papa to the grandchildren who adored him and a man of selfless sacrifice to his children who cherished him. He loved to teach and mentor, generous with his time and advice as he became a father figure to many. Coming from little, he had an preternaturally hard work ethic and always put the needs of others before his own. He could often be found driving his sun-bleached Kubota tractor plowing his pecan fields, down in his workshop sanctuary, or just enjoying the sun on his back porch surrounded by his pine trees. His signature baritone voice always had a laugh that came easily and will be greatly missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Pitts, his daughter Kathryn Torres and her husband Gabriel Torres of El Paso, Texas; daughter Bridgette Snow and her husband Clint Snow of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his son Joseph Pitts, of San Antonio, Texas; as well as his six grandchildren Savannah, Gabriel, Jacob, Matthew, Aidan, and Rachel. A celebration of William Pitts' life will be held Tuesday, October 23rd at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E Bowman, at 10 am. Following the service, friends and family of Bill are welcomed to the Pitts home at 2715 Westwind Road in Las Cruces, New Mexico as we continue to honor the man who we all loved so. The Pitts family would also like to thank the unwavering compassion and efforts of the Mountain View Medical team, as well as countless others who cared for him during his illness. In Lieu of Flowers, the Pitts Family requests that donations be made to Bill Pitts Memorial Fund c/o El Paso Children's Foundation, 1400 Hardaway, Suite 220, El Paso Texas, 79903 to continue his legacy of generosity.
Service Information
Tuesday, October 23, 2018 10:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel
1410 E. Bowman Ave
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001