Ernest Darnell Pitts, age 72, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 24, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1952, to Mary A. Pitts ad the late Ernest Pitts.

Darnell graduated from Central High School. He went on to work the Steelworkers of America and retired from the City of Akron. Darnell was a very outspoken and independent man. A man of many passions, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, skating, grilling, and he liked talking “stuff”; his favorite saying was “toot-a-loo” and was known to call the garage the Gee-Rage where he spent time building things; he was good with his hands. Dickey and Smiling Dogg were some of his nicknames. He loved spending time with his family and friends; he was a member of both the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, Afro Dogs Motorcycle Bikers club and most importantly he found spiritual guidance as a member of Central Starlight Missionary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Pitts; brother, Wendell Pitts; sister, Angela Collins; and best friend Larry Covington.

A devoted husband, fathers, grandfather and friend, Darnell is survived by his loving wife, Tracey D. McCormick-Pitts; his cherished children, Donita, Darshell, Darnell II, and Traynell; mother, Mary A. Pitts; stepchildren, Chimere, Duecey, Tracy, Terrance, Terresa, Thomas, Tierra, Tyler and Tyrell; a host of grandchildren and he was a proud great-grandfather to Talaya. He also leaves his brothers, Charles Pitts, Steve (Dee-Dee) Pitts, Michael (Carla) Pitts and Luther (Tonya) Collins; sisters, Joann (Lee) Repress, all of Akron, Ohio and Theresa (Dennis) Reid; best friend and brother Walter and special nephew Sir Justin Gulley; aunts, niece, nephews and host of family and friends.

Darnell will be remembered for his warm heart, infectious smile and the unwavering love he showed family and friends.