Obituaries

Ryan Louis Pitts, 42, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026 at his home in Crittenden, Kentucky.

Born in Cincinnati to Robert Pitts and Nanci Kleiman Pitts, Ryan graduated from Scott High School in 2002 and achieved his bachelor’s degree in finance from Northern Kentucky University in 2007. He began his career at Waddell & Reed, where he earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner™, then founded his own business, Retirement Security Group, in 2017. Ryan was also a founder and co-owner of Next Level RV Resort at Norris Lake in Tennessee.

Ryan was a lover of animals and a proud supporter of our nation's troops and police officers. He was an avid movie buff, a great dancer, a lover of cars (especially his classic Mustangs) and a natural comedian. Ryan loved travel, boating and camping, and the Cincinnati Bengals, and was a proud season ticket holder for the last five seasons. He and his wife enjoyed hosting large parties and celebrations both at home and at the lake, and their friends lovingly referred to him as Big Bear. His zest for life and gregarious spirit will be dearly missed by his family, friends, neighbors, clients, and the Norris Lake community, which he regarded as family.

Ryan is survived by his loving wife, Courtney Lawson Pitts, who was his everything; parents Robert and Nanci Pitts; sisters Robann (Donny) Cunningham and Rebecca (Aaron) Heflin; brother Rob (Andrea Trauth) Pitts; parents-in-law Jerry and Marilyn Lawson; and brothers-in-law Sam Lawson and Jake Lawson. He is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephews, Ian Schraer, Riley Pitts, Cheli Heflin (godchild), Meghan Pitts (godchild), Rory Heflin, Charlie Cunningham, Caty Cunningham, Clark Cunningham (godchild), Nora Lawson, and Kain Lawson; his self-appointed "godchildren", Samantha and Ian Deckard; and pets Rosie and Greg.

Ryan will be reunited with his beloved grandparents, William and Jeannette Pitts and Louis and Catherine Kleiman, and his pets Zoey and Zora.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 2-5 pm at Middendorf Funeral Home, 3312 Madison Pike, Ft. Wright, Kentucky 41017. A memorial service will follow at 5 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ryan’s memory to causes close to his heart: the Stray Animal Adoption Program (SAAP) in Newport, Kentucky or the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation's Fallen Officer Trust.