Kerry Frank Pitts

Kerry Pitts, a devoted Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2026 after a life marked by service, integrity, and unwavering faith. He was 92 years old.

Born on May 30, 1934, at Oak Hill Farms outside Brookhaven, Mississippi, Kerry was the son of Willie Frank Pitts and Louise Lowe Pitts.

Kerry graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1952 and continued his education at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State College in 1956. He began his professional career with the Mississippi State Highway Department before serving in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he returned to the Highway Department and continued pursuing a distinguished engineering career.

In 1959, Kerry joined Kaiser Engineers International, first relocating to Oakland, California, and later moving to Ghana, West Africa, where he contributed to the design work for the Akosombo Dam and hydroelectric project. He returned to Mississippi in 1962 and rejoined the Highway Department before beginning a long and accomplished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg in 1963.

On a blind date, Kerry met the love of his life, Hester Robertson, a medical technologist student at Mercy Hospital. Their first date included a showing of the movie Island of Love, and their story blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married on June 21, 1964, at First Baptist Church in Sallis, Mississippi, and shared a marriage filled with love, faith, and devotion.

Together, Kerry and Hester built a life centered on family and service. They welcomed their son, Barron Kerry Pitts, on January 27, 1968, and their daughter, Stephanie Paige Pitts, on June 5, 1971.

Throughout his career, Kerry served with distinction in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the Vicksburg District and the Mississippi River Commission. He retired on January 3, 1996, after 32 years of dedicated service. His engineering expertise helped shape significant infrastructure projects, but his greatest legacy was the impact he had on the people around him.

A committed servant of his community, Kerry joined the Vicksburg Lions Club in 1968 and remained an active member for over 50 years. He served as club president in 1974 and was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 1998 for his outstanding service. He also faithfully taught in the college department at First Baptist Church for 32 years, investing in the spiritual growth of countless individuals.

Kerry’s faith in Jesus Christ guided every aspect of his life. He volunteered with the First Baptist Church Medical/Dental Clinic, participated in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse, and served on mission trips, including work in Honduras. His life reflected Christ’s love through humble service, generosity, and compassion.

Those who knew Kerry will remember his steadfast faith, gentle spirit, wisdom, and dedication to his family. He was a wonderful Christian husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life touched countless people. His legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Kerry is preceded in death by parents, Willie Frank Pitts and Louise Lowe Pitts; his wife of 58 years, Hester Robertson Pitts; a son, Michael Pitts; a sister, Gay Pitts King; and a brother, David Lowe Pitts.

Kerry is survived by his son, Barry Pitts; daughter, Paige Coward (Patrick); a brother, Jerrod Pitts; two sisters, Rebecca Pitts and Carmen Pitts; and four grandchildren, Luke Pitts, Tyler Pitts, Emily Coward, and Reid Coward.

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Glenwood funeral home from 5 PM to 7 PM and also on Friday, June 26, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Vicksburg from 10 AM till the hour of the service. A memorial service will be at 11 AM at the church with Rev Jimmy Henry and Dr. Gordon Sansing officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Oswalt, Dr. Daniel Edney, The Early Risers of First Baptist Church and The Grand  Adventure Sunday school class of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Renewal House of Vicksburg at 1222 Jackson Street Vicksburg, MS 39180 or First Baptist Church Medical/Dental Clinic  or Operation Christmas Child at First Baptist Church 1607 Cherry Street Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Kerry’s life was a testament to a faith well-lived, a family well-loved, and a community well-served. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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