Long time Orlando resident and educator, John Calvin Pitts, passed from this earth July 15, 2022.
He was born July 9,1926, to John Ang and Sarah Allie Pitts. John spent his childhood in the small West Florida town of Wausau.
John graduated in South Carolina from Socastee High School in 1943 and promptly joined the Navy during World War II. He served as a member of the Underwater Demolition Team #25 and is a member of the UDT Hall of Fame.
Following the war, he enrolled in the first men’s class at Florida State University. After his graduation, he then embarked on a 37-year career in teaching, coaching, and administration in the Orange County Public schools. John proudly served over 25 years of his career as the Principal of both Boone and Evans High Schools.
John C. Pitts is preceded in death by his wife, Janann Pitts, and his daughter, Linda Dianne Harkins. He is survived by his son, John Gary Pitts, and two daughters, Pamela Dawn McNab and Lea Ann Knuth; six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. In addition to his family legacy, he is leaving a lifetime of impact on countless students, colleagues and friends.
Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, Florida, will host a visitation for family and friends Friday, July 29, from 6:30-8:00 PM, as well as a celebration of life memorial service, July 30, at 10:00 am. Following the memorial celebration there will be a service at the Kenansville, Florida Cemetery at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Starke Lake Baptist Church Benevolent Fund.
Our world is a better place today because of John’s influence.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Scott McClellan says
I am so sorry for your loss, Mr and Mrs. Pitts we’re such an influence on me in my youth. Mr Pitts taught me how to sail on Lake Stanley, and always treated me like family! I am so sorry we are out if the country for a few weeks and won’t be able to make the service. Our prayers are with all the family. I will never forget him and can’t thank him enough for helping shape me into the man I am now!
John Roberts Jr says
John Pitts played a tremendous role in my upbringing & schooling at Maynard Evans Jr. & Sr. High School from 1959-1964-he was a fair & tough teacher but demanded respect & received it from each of his students-he mentored me to achieve higher standards & be the very best you can in all phases of education, sports & “growing up”-he is one man that will always be a part of my heart & soul who will never be forgotten-I’m positive there are thousands of students out there that feel the same way-my sincerest condolences to all the Pitts’ family, our world lost a great one!!♥️♥️🇺🇸🇺🇸
Steve Branyon says
Gary, Pam and Lea Ann, my heart goes out to you over your father’s passing.
Mr. Pitts was one of the finest men I’ve ever known. He shaped the lives of countless young people, including me. He was a man of quiet grace and strength. He personified character and integrity. I respected him tremendously my whole life. Just as meaningful to me, he was a wonderful, steadfast friend and fishing companion to my father; he bettered Dad’s life in so many ways.
I will never forget the times our family spent with yours, camping on that special island in the Indian River, listening to your father’s quiet, kind voice around the campfire and awaiting the moment when he’d finally reach for his banjo and pick a tune. Those were magical experiences, never to be forgotten.
I’m comforted by the certainty that your father is now reunited with your mother and Dianne. After they catch up, I hope your dad and mine take up where they left off, swapping fish tales and memories of wonderful times spent together.
Peace be with you, and may your father’s memory continue to bless us all.
Much Love,
Steve Branyon
Dee Parsons says
Words cannot describe my feelings of loss for this wonderful friend and colleague for the last 60 +years.
John was my vice principal when I started teaching in 1961
and a life long friendship was formed.
I visited with John for the last time on July 13th and we shared many wonderful memories that will forever be cherished.
He was one of my best friends, an excellent educator and a Good man. I will miss you John RIP.
Jack and Cheryl Macfarlane Butler c/o 1965/1966 says
He was a good coach, principal and mentor to many of us unruly, troubled and just plain confused teenagers. He will be missed in the world in general and in his family. Jack and I send our condolences to his family and friends.
Roy ( Rick ) Saricks says
So sorry to hear that Mr Pitts passed away. You don’t find the quality of people like we had at Maynard Evans these days. Experiences everything. Mr Pitts ,Mr wiedenbeck ,coach Pennington were extraordinary people with the gift to pass their experience in life to benefit others.
Gail Adams says
Ray & I both thought the world of Mr. Pitts and his wife, JaneAnne. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher for my Civics class back in 1959. He was always a kind, wonderful teacher. I had seen him a number of times after I graduated, he was friendly and knew who I was. Russ Salerno asked me to help with the “Pennington-Pitts Appreciation Lunch” a few years ago… I am thankful I was able to participate for these two fine men. The kids in Pine Hills were so very lucky to have them on staff at EVANS. Thank you Mr. Pitts for being my teacher, & my friend, we will always miss you and love you. Sending our Sympathies to all of the Pitts Family.
Ray & Gail Adams
C/O 1964 & 1963
Kim [Montgomery] Cullen says
Growing up in the 80’s — it was such a fun time to be a teenager! I will forever be grateful for the happy memories of Mr. Pitts and my wonderful teachers at Evans. They influenced me to become a high school teacher, and I have enjoyed a fantastic, rewarding 32-year career. Mr. Pitts made us proud to attend Evans and to work hard to uphold our outstanding school traditions. May God bless the Pitts family, and we send our most sincere condolences and pray for God’s comfort for all who knew and loved Mr. Pitts.
Kim [Montgomery] Cullen, Class of ’84
Dave Douglas says
Gary, Pam and Lea Ann I am so very sorry for your loss. What a legacy your dad left. I guarantee when he went through the gates of heaven Jesus met him and gave him a big hug and said VERY WELL DONE THY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. I was in the class of 79 with Lea Ann. I remember the first day of school sophomore year
I came in the school and immediately was more than overwhelmed. This huge crowd of kids everywhere and I’m in my wheelchair just trying to navigate everything. Mr. Pitts spotted me, came over and introduced himself and said welcome it’s going to be a great year. For the next 3 years everyday he met me every morning with a handshake and a Good Morning. At graduation when I came up on the stage he gave me that handshake with that big smile and said your going to do great things. I went on to be a Teacher. I have said often that Mr. Pitts was one of the 5 most influential men in my life. I loved him and he will always be a great part of my life. Rest Easy sir and THANK YOU.
Dennis A. Ickes says
Brother John, it was a pleasure to have known you and your wife Janann as we traveled with the Ball Choir singing with the others. I guess now that the Choir has become a little bigger now. The songs Railway too Heaven, Sweet Beulah Land, and What A Day That Will Be, will always be special. May God Bless your family and start to Heal the Void in their Hearts with His Great Love.
Thank You My Brother In Christ
Pastor Dennis A. Ickes
Julia Henry Carroll says
Gary,Pam,Lea Ann and families so sorry to hear of your dad passing. My dad was probably happy to see him, so they could continue their stories about each other. Your parents were real friends of my parents ( from comments I heard ). I had planned on coming on Friday or Saturday but my husband had neck surgery on Wednesday and it was more extensive than expected so I’m not coming. But please know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate your dad’s life.
Julia (Judy,Red) Henry Carroll