David Ray Pitts, lovingly known by many as “Hambone” or “Pitiful,” passed
away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 63.
Born in Charlotte on January 11, 1963, David grew up and spent his entire
life in the Hickory Tavern area of Laurens, a place he proudly called home.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil J. Pitts and Rosie Lee
Pitts, both of Hickory Tavern.
He is survived by the love of his life, Rebecca Flowers of Laurens SC; his
daughter, Amanda “Mandy” Thomas and her husband DJ Thomas Jr.,
along with their children Tripp and Emma Thomas, all of Laurens SC; his
son, Joshua Pitts and his wife Victoria Knight, along with their sons Eli
and Ayden Pitts, also of Laurens SC; his sister, Fran Pitts Atkins and her
husband Todd of Moore SC; his sister, Deborah Davis and her husband
Paul Hall of Summerville SC; and a very close friend whom David
considered as a brother, Ron Przybyla.
David worked construction jobs throughout his life and was known as a
man who could build and fix just about anything. He loved music,
motorcycles, gardening, and spending time outdoors. Like his father
before him, David had a special love for gardening and took pride in
working with his hands and caring for the things he grew.
He was a talented artist, a great joke teller, and a deeply intelligent man
with an unending thirst for knowledge. David had a unique personality
that people remembered, and the many nicknames he carried through life
were a reflection of the friendships and memories he made along the way.
Above all, David will be remembered for his humor, creativity, intelligence,
and the love he had for his family and those closest to him. He will be
deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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