Alvin Pitts Jr.

Alvin Pitts Jr. was born on June 25, 1951, in Summerfield, Louisiana, to the late Elzaree and Alvin Pitts Sr. He departed this earthly life July 16. 2026 at home surrounded by his loved ones. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, establishing a faith that remained the foundation of his life.

Alvin moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1968 with only a few dimes in his pocket but a heart full of determination. His dream was to build a better future for himself but also to provide for his parents and younger siblings whom he had left behind in Louisiana. Through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to success, he turned that dream into reality.

A lifelong believer in the value of education, Alvin achieved a milestone that inspired everyone who knew him by earning his High School Diploma in Rockford at the age of 71, proving that it is never too late to accomplish your goals.

On June 27, 1992, Alvin married the love of his life, Carolyn Miller. Together they built a loving marriage rooted in faith, family, and shared purpose.

Alvin faithfully served the Lord as a Deacon at 2nd Christian Church and currently at The Next Level Community Church, where he was known for his servant's heart, steadfast faith, and willingness to help others.

Throughout his career, Alvin worked for Smith Oil and Dean Foods before taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. In 1992, he and his wife founded A.P. Trucking Inc, becoming the first minority-owned trucking company in Rockford, Illinois. For more than 30 years, A.P. Trucking became more than a successful business—it became a source of hope and opportunity for countless individuals. A.P. Trucking employed more than 300 men and women, believing that everyone deserved the chance to earn a living, providing for their families, and build a better future. His generosity, leadership, and commitment to uplifting others left an enduring impact on the Rockford community.

Alvin's life was a testimony to faith, resilience, hard work, and compassion. From humble beginnings to becoming a respected businessman, devoted husband, faithful deacon, and community leader, he inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, the opportunities he created, and the family and community he loved so deeply.

Alvin was a dedicated and respected member of Welcome Star Lodge #36 F.&.M, where he faithfully served in numerous leadership positions throughout the years. Among his many accomplishments, he served as Worshipful Master and established Luther Primm Scholarship Fund that support young men within the Rockford community. He remained an active as President of Luther Primm Scholarship Fund and devoted member of the Lodge for serving over 50 years as a mason. His commitment to Freemasonry reflected his strong values of brotherhood, service, integrity, and leadership.

He was also a devoted member of Princess Zorah Chapter #20, O.E.S, PHA where he proudly served as Worthy Patron alongside his beloved wife, Carolyn, Alvin faithfully supported the principles of the Order and was admired for his wisdom, humility, and dedication to serving others for over 20 years. Through both organizations, he built lifelong friendships and positively impacted on the lives of countless Brothers and Sisters.

Alvin's legacy of faith, leadership, service, and compassion will continue to live on in the organizations he faithfully served and in the many lives he touched.

Alvin leaves to cherish his loving memory of his devoted wife, Carolyn Pitts.

He was the proud and loving father of four daughters: Jackie (David) Payne, Shalanda (Leon) Smith, Shavonda (Tavoris) Walker, and Danette Winters. He also shared a special bond with his bonus daughter, Amy Prunty, and Erik Johnson, as his future son-in-law.

He is also survived by three sisters: Vernice Mason of Alabama, Elise Johnson of Louisiana, and Dorothy Pitts of Rockford, Illinois; and one brother, Jessie Pitts of Arkansas, one brother-in-law Kenneth (Ms. Ann) Liggins of Chicago, one sister-in-law Leneal Jones of Georgia. 

Alvin's legacy lives on through his nine beloved grandchildren: Nishawnda, Shante, Dwight, Airman 1st Class Damir, Pearl, Tauryn, E’Nadia, Titan, and Brooklyn; and four cherished great-grandchildren: Leona, Ka'oir, Timmy, and Alexa.

He also leaves behind eight beloved godchildren: Trimisha, Tristen, Kenzell, Kyliah, Ping, Xo, Tumi, and Lanese.

Alvin was blessed with nine "Like Sons," whom he loved as family: Leon Smith, K.G., Fitzgerald Moore, Davon Foreman, Mark Freeman, Leron Brookins, Saudargas Beasley, Xavier Crowley and Chris Dixon.

He also leaves to cherish his memory of two special nieces, Andrea Reed Hemby and Sabrina Johnson and a special cousins Robbie Jean Meadors. 

Alvin was blessed with many lifelong friendships and leaves behind his special friends: Rev. Robert Jones, Gabriel "Speedy" Hudson, Joe Grines, Willie Graves, Roy Dixon, Paul Dixon, Raymond Hunter, Albert Ford, Eugene Houston, Mark Kuchar and Lou Miller-Hunt (bonus sister-in-law).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elzaree and Alvin Pitts Sr.; his beloved son, Antwain Pitts; and his brothers-in-law, James Mason, Ronald Jones, and John Johnson one sister-in-law Doylene Pitts.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026 at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church 2919 19th Street. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home and 9:00 a.m. ~ 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. Masonic Rites will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday.