November 11, 1940 – September 21, 2026 (85)
Richard David “Don” Pitts, age 85, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Born in Mount Airy, Georgia, on November 11, 1940, Don was the son of the late Rev. Jud Lester Pitts and Zadie Addis Pitts. He was a graduate of South Habersham High School, Class of 1958, and an honor graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, where he earned his Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service. His dedication and commitment were evident even during his college years, as he was also recognized for achieving perfect attendance.
Don devoted more than 34 years of his life to funeral service as a Funeral Director and Embalmer. Throughout his career, he was affiliated with Arthur Bowick Funeral Home in Monroe and Smith Funeral Home in Winder, faithfully serving families in those communities for many years before his retirement. He understood the importance of caring for others during life’s most difficult moments, and his years in funeral service reflected a heartfelt commitment to helping families honor and remember their loved ones.
His dedication to serving others extended beyond funeral service. Don served as Habersham County Coroner from 2005 until 2008, continuing his commitment to the community through this important role. He was also a member of Mount Airy Masonic Lodge #141 F. & A.M., the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Royal Arch of Clarkesville.
Alongside his beloved wife, Janice, Don owned and operated A Rose Garden Florist in Cornelia for more than 35 years. Together, they built a business centered around the beauty of flowers and the meaningful role they play in life’s celebrations and tender moments.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful expressions of Don and Janice’s love for others was their willingness to open their hearts and home to children in need. For 15 years, they served as foster parents in Walton, Barrow, and Habersham Counties, providing a place of love, care, and belonging. Don’s dedication to foster children extended beyond his own home, as he served as President of the Georgia State Foster Association during the 1980s. Through this important work, he and Janice made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.
In his spare time, Don enjoyed working with his hands through carpentry, tending to his beloved flowers, and collecting rocks. Whether creating something through woodworking, nurturing the beauty of a garden, or discovering a unique stone, he found enjoyment in the simple pleasures of life.
Above all, Don’s life was deeply intertwined with the family he loved. He and Janice shared 54 years of marriage, building a life filled with memories, hard work, and a shared commitment to caring for others. His legacy will live on through the family he cherished, the children he helped nurture, and the countless lives he touched through his years of dedicated service. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the love he gave and the difference he made will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his precious daughter, JanDon Ivie Pitts; siblings, John Lester Pitts, Mildred Pitts Ayers, James Clyde Pitts, and Myrtice Pitts Hunter; father-in-law & mother-in-law, J.T. & Nettie Ivie.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Janice Ivie Pitts of Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda and Michael Cleveland, and Allison and Steve Massey; daughter, Dondra Batson; sons, Donald Shane Pitts and Jud David Pitts; grandchildren raised in the home, Zadie Keegan Lyric Pitts, and Katelyn Renae “Katy” Pitts and her children, Atticus and Esmae; nine additional grandchildren; ten additional great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Theron Ayers; sisters-in-law, Jane Murray, Jean Graves, Cathey Mangum, and Sandra Ivie; special friend and caregiver, Debra Smith; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Terry Rice and Rev. Daniel Parker officiating.
In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation will follow the funeral service, and burial will take place at a later date.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
An online guest registry is available for the Pitts family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia, is honored to serve the family of Richard David “Don” Pitts.
