Benjamin James Pitts, Jr. was born February 28, 1957, to Benjamin James Pitts, Sr. and Lillie Mae Pitts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the oldest of two sons. On Thursday, February 27, 2025 – one day before his 68th birthday – Ben Pitts, surrounded by his family, was called from his earthly home.

Ben was educated in the public schools of Winston-Salem, NC, where he graduated from R. J. Reynolds High School in 1975. He was a standout football and basketball player at Reynolds. One of his mother's favorite pastimes was watching him play high school sports. Ben was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served as a Human Resource Specialist (42A). He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Fort Huachuca, AZ; and Fort Jackson, SC and served on active duty in Frankfurt, Germany and Seoul, Korea. While stationed in Germany, Ben became a Master Mason in 1984. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Ben was employed at Wilson Pest Control and later worked at R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, where he was employed for seventeen years until his retirement in 2023. Ben was a dutiful and reliable employee, where he was known for his dedication, support, and cooperative spirit.

Ben was united in matrimony to Shyrell Jenkins on July 1, 1980 in Columbia, SC. They became proud parents to four sons: Mario, twins Jermaine and Jamar, and Antonio, rearing them in South Carolina, Arizona, Germany, Missouri, and North Carolina. Ben was a loving and devoted father and enjoyed spending time with his sons, grandchildren, and other family. He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed fishing with his sons. For many years, Ben was a youth football coach. He was a loyal supporter of his sons' athletics participation and could always be seen in the stands or bleachers passionately cheering them on. Ben found some of life's greatest joys in attending family, recreational, and community events, especially his grandchildren's school and sports activities. Angela Strickland, with whom he shared a home, was his loving and devoted partner of many years until his passing.

Ben had an infectious personality; he met new people easily and made them feel welcomed. His wit, humor, and charming laughter could often be heard throughout whatever venue in which he was present. He took great pride in his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. He was an avid UNC Tarheels basketball fan and a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. He imparted fatherly wisdom and advice to his sons and taught them the importance of family, love, kindness, and doing the right thing. He truly had a soft, kind heart and a loving spirit.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Lillie Mae Pitts; and his grandson, Sha'nnon Pitts. Left to cherish his spirited and joyful legacy are his four sons, Mario Pitts of Winston-Salem, NC, Jermaine Pitts, Sr. (Holly) of Kernersville, NC, Jamar Pitts of Columbia, SC, and Antonio Pitts of Winston-Salem, NC; his brother, Marvin Pitts of Winston-Salem, NC; devoted partner, Angela Strickland of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren; several cousins; former wife, Shyrell Pitts of Columbia, SC; former wife, Serena S. Belton-Pitts of Winston-Salem, NC; former fellow coaches; and extended family and friends, including former football players Ben coached.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30pm Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 1:30pm on Saturday at the Chapel.