Chris Smith: “It is hard to imagine a Congress without the incomparable Joe Pitts--a remarkable and highly accomplished lawmaker, a…”

“It is hard to imagine a Congress without the incomparable Joe Pitts--a remarkable and highly accomplished lawmaker, a distinguished statesman, a man of principle and bedrock moral conviction and a Christian, who faithfully seeks to do God's will on Earth as it is in Heaven no matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, no matter the hardship. {time} 1930 As I think some of my colleagues know--particularly those who know him well--Joe was born in Kentucky into a family of strong Christian faith, a faith that has been passed on to his own three children; Carol, Karen, and Daniel. Joe's father was an Army chaplain during World War II, serving in the South Pacific after the war. The elder Pitts returned to the Philippines with his wife and children to serve as a missionary in a war-ravaged country. It was there that Joe saw the after effects of war; and that so profoundly affected him, he developed a heart there for human rights and a commitment to a strong national defense. After high school, Joe attended Asbury College in Kentucky, as my friend and colleague earlier pointed out. He met Virginia--Ginny, as we know her--a wonderful lady. My wife Marie and I and Joe and Ginny have traveled and have been together many times. She is just a wonderful wife of a half a century. Again, they not only have three children but a number of grandchildren as well. Joe taught math, science, English, and physical education, as well as coached basketball.…”