What is your full name?

Joseph E. Pitts, Jr.

What is your profession?

Banker/State Representative

Where are you from originally?

Clarksville, TN

How long have you been in Clarksville? What brought you to Clarksville?

I have lived in Clarksville most of my life, so far, but did live in East Tennessee and Cookeville for a few years after college.

Tell us about your family.

Wife, Cynthia Haley Pitts. We have 5 children, although they are not children anymore since the youngest is 24 years old. We have three amazing grandchildren. My parents, Joe and Alice Pitts, are healthy and live in Clarksville. I have one sister, Joy Atkins, and a great brother-in-law, Roger Atkins.

What do you like most about Clarksville?

Diversity of seasons, cultures, the proximity to Nashville and other urban areas, and it’s my hometown.

If you could have any other profession/dream job what would it be?

I would love to be CEO of a company who could hire thousands of people over the next year.

What is your favorite meal?

My next one.

What is the easiest and most difficult part of your job every day?

The easiest is just meeting people both at the bank and as an elected official. The most difficult is when I have to say “I’m sorry. I can’t help you.”

What do you drive?

2005 Nissan Altima (101,000 miles)…my motto: “out of date, out of debt.”

What’s your favorite movie or TV show?

Any movie with Jimmy Stewart. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Harvey, It’s a Wonderful Life, Shennendoah.

Who do you look up too? Who is your role model?

My dad. The smartest guy in the world.

What has been the toughest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your life?

I have been so blessed it is difficult to answer this question. When I look around and see soldiers returning from war without limbs, or eyesight, my life is charmed. I’m not a complainer.

What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now? How would you like your life to look 10 years from now?

I hope I am still serving in some elected capacity or in a profession that is people focused.

Have you ever been issued a speeding ticket?

Yep. Peachers Mill Road at Pollard Road. I’ve traveled that road thousands of times, but just lost track of my speed one day, and boom, there they were.

Why did you choose your current profession?

It sort of chose me.

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

BS from APSU in 1980

When and to where was your last vacation?

December 2010 we went to Orange Beach for a few days after Christmas just to rest after a re-election campaign and the holidays.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby?

I love to read and watch old movies.

What advice can you give others juggling a family and career?

Find balance. It is easy to get caught up in the rigors of a demanding career and forget there are those at home who need you.

How do you start your day?

Up every morning about 5 a.m. Shower, walk the dog, then spend time reading scripture and devotional time. I don’t turn on the television, since the news is usually bad. I’m in the office by 6:30.

What are you passionate about in life?

I love, love, love to help people help themselves. Just a kind word, or a favor here and there, often makes the difference.

What is something most Clarksvillians wouldn’t know about you?

I’m a fourth generation Clarksvillian and pretty boring (wait, maybe they know that!).

If you could leave one message to the Clarksville community what would it be?

Cherish each moment and celebrate diversity.



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