TUPELO, Miss. -- Harold L. Hitt Jr., 84, died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo.

He was born March 10, 1935, in Cape Girardeau.

Harold graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1952 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1956. He was a custom home builder in Jackson, Mississippi, for many years, and served as president of the Home Builders Association of Mississippi.

Harold and Rita, his wife of 63 years, had a passion for traveling in their motor home. Indeed, in their later life, they spent 13 years traveling full time all over North America, chasing the changing leaves in New England, freezing alongside Alaskan glaciers and enjoying warm winters in Arizona, Florida and the Mexican Riviera. Harold never met a stranger, and he and Rita made many close friends in their travels.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Hitt; two brothers, Jerry (Karen) Hitt and David Hitt of Jackson; a sister, Brenda Rhodes of St. Louis; sons, Terry Hitt of Lighthouse Point, Florida, and Dr. Kevin (Patsy) Hitt of Tupelo; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold L. Hitt Sr.; his mother, Hazel Lowes Hitt of Jackson, Missouri; and his beloved grandson, Hunter Hitt of Tupelo.

A graveside service was held Sunday at Tupelo Memorial Park.

Holland Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements and was honored to serve their friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Condolences may be emailed to www.hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.