Kenchion Earl Pittman

Kenchion Earl Pittman, 96, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012. Earl was born in Nash County on October 13, 1915 to the late John Robert and Hattie Barnes Pittman. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Margaret Garvey Pittman, and his loving son, Melvyn Earl Pittman.
Earl served his country as a burner in the Newport News Shipyard during World War II. During that time, he helped build the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, which he proudly visited in recent years at its dock in Charleston, South Carolina. After the war, he founded Carolina Concrete Block Works which he owned from 1945 until 1981. He also founded Carolina Ready Mix Company. Earl was a charter member of the Stoney Creek Fire and Rescue Department as well as an active member of the Rocky Mount Planning Board and the Benvenue Ruritan Club. He loved gardening, fishing, and hunting and spent many pleasant hours pursuing these hobbies. Friends and family were grateful to receive many a fine deer stew and the most delicious fresh produce around from this generous man. Earl Pittman never knew a stranger. All who met him recall his incredible zest for life. He taught us by example to live every day to the fullest.
The other members of Earl’s family wish to express profound gratitude to his grandson, Allen, for his tireless dedication and loving care of this special man.
Earl is survived by his son, Kenneth “Jerry” and wife Rebecca; daughter, Lynn Pittman Bell and husband, Jerry; daughter-in-law, Sandra Pittman Biggs; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 7:00-8:30pm Sunday, January, 8, 2012 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and other times at the home of Jerry Pittman. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Monday, January 9, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.