Ronald Leroy Pitzer

December 1, 1939 – June 2, 2025

Ronald Leroy Pitzer took his final breath surrounded by his immediate family holding hands with his daughter and granddaughter as he transitioned to glory. He is no longer in pain and is in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ron leaves a legacy through the many lives he has touched, and especially through his wife, Mickey Pitzer; daughter, Michele Richie (Chris), two granddaughters, Hannah Richie and Kathryn Richie, and his sisters Linda Corns and Sandra Dotson; nephew, David Pitzer (Frelie) and kids; many nieces, nephews, friends, cousins and other family members.

Ron lived an amazing life and brought joy to those who knew him. He was a member at Pepperell Baptist Church. Looking back upon his 85 years on Earth, we are reminded of the book of Matthew, 25:21, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

Born on December 1st, 1939, in Alderson, West Virginia, Ron lived during the Great Depression, World War II, the Korea conflict, Vietnam, President Kennedy's assassination, the moon landing, 9/11, the Global War on Terrorism, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing up in West Virginia during the Great Depression was difficult, but Ron's father made a good living working in a jewelry store as a watch repairman, a skill that Ron learned and enjoyed throughout his life. Ron graduated from Concord College in Athens, West Virginia in August 1961 with a bachelor's in business administration. While at Concord, Ron was in the management program working in Washington, DC for SS Kresge that later became K-Mart. At the end of the school year, he was transferred to Alexandria, VA.

In 1963, Ron was drafted into the Army and trained at Fort Knox and Fort Gordon before being assigned to Germany. He served as an Army Private First Class specializing in Signals Intelligence and served in Germany along the famous Fulda Gap during the height of the Cold War.

Upon his discharge in 1965, K-Mart assigned him to Hampton, VA where their only child, Michele Lee, was born in 1969. Their next move was to Columbia, SC, then Champaign, IL (Ron worked in Chicago). Additional Kmart assignments took them to Greensboro, NC, Prattville, AL, and finally to Auburn, AL where he was the manager of the local Kmart until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 55. He met his wife, Mickey in 1990 with whom he spent the last 35 years traveling and making memories together.

Ron enjoyed Auburn football, spending time with family, creating, and being outdoors. He was present for the birth of both his granddaughters. Ron is at peace and resting in Heaven. He will be remembered as a father, a grandfather, a well-respected community business leader, a church-going man, and a dear friend.

Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2025 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 10:30am - 111:45AM. The Funeral Service will be at 12:00PM in the Chapel with Reverend Mike Newman officiating. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.