Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Freddy Pitts has proven himself to be the epitome of a “good neighbor;” as his neighbors will quickly attest. For that reason, he was named the recipient of the George Townsend Good Neighbor Award at the Farm Bureau Banquet, held on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
According to one of Pitts’ neighbors, Lauren Churchwell, Pitts not only keeps his yard looking good, he “also drives across the highway and mows in front of our entrance, as well as the entrances/rights of way to other neighbors’ houses, without expecting anything in return.” This selfless spirit goes beyond trips on the lawn mower. Pitts has provided trees for neighbors to plant in their yards, helps keep an eye on his neighbors’ houses and properties, picks up packages when neighbors are out of town and more. Even something as simple as giving people a friendly smile and a wave to anyone passing by gives a prime example of his kindness.
Receiving this award is a bit of a “full circle” moment for Pitts, who had a career with Farm Bureau that dates back to 1975. His career with Farm Bureau spanned over 40 years. In 2017, he retired from the Farm Bureau as an Agency Manager, serving Madison, Jefferson, Taylor and Lafayette Counties. During his time with Farm Bureau, he helped to select many deserving recipients of the George Townsend Good Neighbor Award. “Never in all those years that I worked with the Board, choosing who to honor, did I ever consider myself a candidate for this honor,” said Pitts. “To say I was surprised and humbled when I was announced as the recipient of this award is an understatement.”
Pitts and his wife, Brenda, recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They have three grown children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. All three of their children have worked for Farm Bureau at some point, and their son, Burt, has been an adjuster for Farm Bureau for close to 30 years.
One could easily say that everyone should strive to be as good a neighbor as this year’s George Townsend Good Neighbor, Freddy Pitts.