Andrew Pitts Jr., the founder and former CEO of Pitts Enterprises in Alabama, died July 16. He was 90.
Pitts Enterprises will continue as a family business with Andrew’s son Jeff Pitts, who has led the company as CEO since 2002. “My father never forgot his roots,” said Jeff. “He invested in people — from his family and friends to his employees and customers. He built this business on innovation, quality and value. He instilled those ideals in Pitts Enterprises, and they will live on.”
“Andrew Pitts was a pioneer who moved the industry forward with his innovations,” said J.P. Pierson, president of Pitts Trailers, an affiliated business unit. “He leaves behind a strong legacy of hard work and belief in doing the right thing that will impact his family, his hometown, his company and the overall industry for decades to come.”
Pitts grew up in Pittsview, Alabama, and attended Auburn University. He worked in his family’s businesses for several years before building his first logging trailer in 1976. From the success of that first trailer, Pitts went on to build what has become the world’s largest and only complete line forestry manufacturing company, headquartered in his hometown.
Pitts served his community as a member of the United Methodist Church, chairman of the Republican party of Russel County and a founding member of the Pittsview Civic Society. He enjoyed rooting for the Auburn Tigers and playing golf in his free time.
Pitts is survived by his wife, Jean, his three children and seven grandchildren.
