Richard Thomas Pittman Jr

Richard Thomas (R.T.) Pittman, Jr. passed away at Nash General Hospital on Sunday, August 21, 2011. R.T. was born in Edgecombe County on August 12, 1921. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard Thomas Pittman and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Armstrong, and three brothers, Amos, Henry (Josh), and Carlton.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Vivian (Polly) Dozier Pittman, his daughter, Jean Pittman of Raleigh, and his son, Steve Pittman and his wife, Gayle, of Georgetown, Texas.

R.T. served honorably in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He worked at the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, farmed his land, measured land, and graded peanuts. He was one of the original cadre of volunteer fireman at Red Oak and later Salem Volunteer Fire Departments. A longtime member and leader at Salem Baptist Church, R.T. held positions of Sunday School Director, deacon, choir member, Men’s class teacher, and member of the Board of Trustees. He was an avid fisherman and pool player; he could often be found either on the local ponds and creeks or at a pool table in the community with close friends. In more recent years his favorite pastime was shooting pool at the Nashville Senior Center. R.T. recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and was fortunate to have visits from many friends and family members on that occasion.

Visitation will be held at Salem Baptist Church from 11:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday, August 24th. The funeral service will follow immediately and will be officiated by the Reverend Alan Williams. Burial will be at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Baptist Church or the Salem Volunteer Fire Department.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804.