Kitts Sr., Huston W.

Huston W. Kitts, Sr., 71, of Christiansburg, passed away suddenly Friday, January 26, 2007 at Montgomery Regional Hospital.

Mr. Kitts played semi-pro baseball for a number of years, was a former conductor for Norfolk and Western Railroad, and was retired Legislative Director of the United Transportation Union. He was appointed and served on both the National and Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Safety Boards.

Very active in community affairs, he was a partner in Blevins & Blevins and K & W Car Wash, was a member of Park United Methodist Church where he was very active in many church affairs and demonstrated his love for cooking. A passionate Hokie Fan, he was a lifetime member of the Hokie Club and the “Wednesday Night Board”.

The son of the late James Watkins and Mary French Kitts, he was also preceded in death by brothers, James, Sam and William. Surviving are his wife, Sarah “Sallie” Strauss; daughter, Dianna Kitts Harmon and husband, Steve, Christiansburg, Va.; sons, Huston W. Kitts, Jr. and wife Phyllis, Midlothian, Va., Jerry Ray Kitts, Christiansburg, Va.; grandchildren, Erica Kitts, Desiree and Dustin Harmon; a sister, Elizabeth K. Moye, Christiansburg; brothers, Joseph Kitts and wife, Doris, Jackson Kitts and wife, Dorothy; sister-in-law, Marie Kitts; his former wife; Eloise Kincaid Kitts; numerous nieces and nephews. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many in the community he will be greatly missed by all. He had an exceptional love for his cats, Sam, Tinker, Gertie and Myrtle and dogs, Hank and Toby.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to Park United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2245, Christiansburg, Va., 24068, the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Box 176, Christiansburg, Va., 24068 or the charity of one’s choice.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Sunday evening at the Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2007 at the Park United Methodist Church with the Rev. Kenneth D. Farrar officiating. The Kitts family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, VA. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com.