Joseph B. Kitts, Sr., of Christiansburg died, Friday, May 31, 2019 following a short illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Kitts, brothers, James , William, Samuel, Jackson, Huston, sister, Elizabeth Moye. He is survived by his wife, Doris S. of 66 years, daughter, Donna Thornton-Roberts and Eddie, son, Joseph B. (Jody) and Tracy, four granddaughters and husbands, Shelley and Michael Butler, Mary Ann and Phillip Bowen, Bethany and Ben Creger, and Jessica and Tim Barbir, nine great grandchildren, Zachary, Alex, Lucas, and Abbey Butler, Parke and Jay Bowen, Gabriel and Ezra Creger, and Ruth Ann Barbir. He is also survived by nine nephews, four nieces, nine sisters-in-law, and four brothers-in-law. He joined the Navy during the Korean war and served on board the USS Mansfield DD 728. After the Navy he was hired as a postal clerk in Washington, D.C., and worked in the USPS Mail Car for ten and a half years. He worked in SCF Pulaski for nine years and transferred to Monterey, Va. as Postmaster there for two and a half years, and transferred to Ferrum, Va. as Postmaster, then retiring in November 1987. After retirement he played golf and enjoyed playing with seniors at Great Oaks. He loved to work outside with plants and trees. Joe gave his heart to Jesus Christ in 1970 and served Him until his death. He is gone to see family and friends. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at LGMC, Salem.. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin with Jody Kitts and Rev. Eddie Roberts officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Post #5311, 490 High St., NE, Christiansburg, Va. 24073 or to Grace a Child Academy. The family received friends Monday evening 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Scattergood Church at Grace a Child Academy Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
