FRANKLIN - Stephen Eugene Pitts, 57, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, on his beloved farm.
Steve called his closest friends, and some acquaintances “wild man,” but he was the real wild man. Dirt-track truck racing was one of his early hobbies. Steve won 10 races in just two years in his self-built truck. Though Steve was born in Franklin, he was raised in Riverdale, Georgia. Every chance he got, he came back to these mountains to visit his grandparents and take in the slower lifestyle of these country roads. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and farming. Whether trailblazing Mulberry, burning up the road to Wayah or trolling through nearby lakes, Steve was an avid outdoorsman who felt at home in nature. For 16 years, Steve served as the Macon County welder. He was a great craftsman and enjoyed using his talent for others.
Steve is survived by his wife, Carol Maria Pitts; mother, Nancy Henry Pitts; father, Gene Pitts; daughter, Holly Paige; son, Stephen Pitts; stepdaughters, Savannah “Savvy” Mansour and Jacquelyn Bruun; three grandchildren, and a great wealth of beloved, extended family and friends.
The family received friends on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Macon Funeral Home, starting at 10 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m.
Honorary pallbearers were Destry Avans, Terry Bates, Chris Queen, Lesher Green, Bobby Haynes and Jamie Wiggins.
For the service, guests were invited to honor Steve by wearing one of his favorite colors: blue or camo.
In lieu of food or flowers, please consider donating in Steve’s honor to Pine Grove Baptist Church, CAMO Ministry, 7454 Highlands Road, Franklin, NC 28734.
This local ministry serves disadvantaged children and disabled vets on hunting trips, among other services.