Rodger
Pitts, age 69, of Athens, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30
2026. He was born on March 31, 1957.
Rodger was
known by everyone who met him as one of the kindest and most gentle men you
could ever know. He lived a simple life, rooted in love for his family and a
quiet strength that carried him through every season.
He graduated
from Athens High School in 1975 and went on to work as a chemical operator at
Amoco/BP. Earlier in life, he worked various jobs out of state alongside close
friends who remained lifelong companions.
More than
anything, Rodger loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather who found his greatest joy in his girls and his grandchildren. He
raised his daughters with a steady hand and a soft heart—teaching them respect,
loving them deeply, and always reminding them, “I love you, girl.”
He was the
kind of dad you could talk to about anything. He listened more than he spoke,
never judged, and always gave honest, simple advice. He was strong when he
needed to be, but just as quick to show gentleness, never afraid to step in and
do whatever was needed.
Rodger loved
life outdoors—boating, fishing, skiing, camping—and spent many of those moments
on the river with the people he loved. He also had a love for music and the
simple things in life, including his 1997 Nissan SX. There was never anything
he couldn’t fix, and he was always someone others could count on.
Rodger lived
with multiple sclerosis for 26 years and faced it with quiet courage. Even when
it was hard, he wore a smile.
He is survived
by his wife, Jennifer Pitts; his daughters, Miranda Maher (John), Jessica
Britton (Clint), and Britney Givens (Jacob); and his six grandchildren, Dylan,
Sophia, Grant, Ramsey, Cora, and Noah. He is also survived by his sisters,
Nancy Barber and Linda Putman.
He was
preceded in death by his father, Edgar Pitts; his mother, Willie Shireman; his
sister, Thula Carter; and his brothers, Herb Pitts and Larry Pitts.
Rodger was
deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
A service will
be held on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at Spry Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama with
visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Pallbearers
will be John Maher, Dylan Maher, Clint Britton, Grant Britton, Jacob Givens,
Lynn Moran, Josh Abernathy and Cale Abernathy. The honorary pallbearer is Tommy
Abernathy.
In lieu of
flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to The Multiple Sclerosis
Society in honor of Rodger.
