Ashland, Kentucky - Retired U.S. Army Col. Ernest (Ernie) M. Pitt, Jr., a longtime resident of Ashland, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on May 4, 2025. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 6, 1948, he leaves behind his beloved wife of over 50 years, Patricia (Trish) Meigs Pitt, and his brother, Gregory L. Pitt.

He and Trish met while Pitt was stationed in Germany. They attended law school and graduated together. They were admitted to the Kentucky Bar Association and moved to Ashland where they pursued their law careers.

A lifelong learner, Pitt earned degrees from several esteemed institutions, including a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee (1970); a Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis School of Law (1977); a Master of Laws from the University of London (2004); and Master of Arts degrees from Freie Universität Berlin (2019) and the University of Chicago (2025).

Beyond his academic achievements, Pitt was also a dedicated athlete. He played football in high school; soccer at the University of Tennessee; could be found in the Ashland city parks playing soccer on the weekends and was an avid cyclist his entire life.

Pitt distinguished himself in the legal profession, practicing law for 43 years. His career began in banking as a trust officer, followed by a role as an assistant county attorney. In 1988, he became a partner at the Ashland law firm of Holbrook and Pitt LLP, where he focused on residential and commercial real estate transactions and litigation for lenders and commercial clients until his retirement in 2019.

His commitment to service extended to the military. During his thirty years of combined service in the regular Army and Army Reserve, he commanded units ranging from platoon to brigade and served on the staff of the Deputy Undersecretary of the Army for International Affairs. In recognition of his contributions, the U.S. Armor Association awarded him the Bronze Medallion of the Order of Saint George in 1993. A proud paratrooper, he retired as a Colonel.

Pitt was actively engaged in his community and professional organizations. He was a member of the Ashland Rotary Club and served as both vestryman and senior warden of Calvary Episcopal Church. He was also a Special Justice to the Supreme Court of Kentucky, a board member of the Kentucky Economic Development and Finance Authority and held the position of area chairman of the Kentucky Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Additionally, he was a member of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs.

Most recently he completed the rites of Christian Initiation, was confirmed, received First Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church and became a registered member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

He and Trish were married for over fifty years and shared both a personal and professional life marked by deep love and mutual respect. He was a devoted and loving husband, and together they enjoyed a wonderful life filled with meaningful work, adventurous travels and lasting companionship.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Steen Funeral Home, 13th Street Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father D. Andrew Canon Garner, KHS, presiding. Internment with full military honors will follow at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery North East.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ashland Community Kitchen, P.O. Box 1743, Ashland, Kentucky 41101-1743.

To share a memory of Ernie or extend condolences to his family, please visit steenfuneralhome.com.