Richard E. "Dick" Pittman

PITTMAN, Richard E. "Dick," 1928-2008, Newport News. I was born on June 2, 1928 in Halifax, N.C., to R. Harvey and Bessie D. Pittman. We moved to Newport News when I was two. I attended John Daniel School and graduated from Newport News High School in 1945. I was a Boy Scout, a Sea Scout and attained Eagle Scout rank. In January 1946, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Trieste, where I was stationed until 1948. During my time there, I skied in the Alps and traveled in Italy, Germany and Austria. I was discharged from the U.S. Army in 1948 but re-enlisted in 1949 and transferred to the U.S. Air Force at Langley Field. While there, I met Joyce Smith and we were married in July 1950. We spent time in South Carolina, the Philippines, Langley, and an assignment in Northern Virginia for the U.S. Air Force (retired in 1966) and federal government from which I retired in 1976. While in the Philippines I attended and graduated from the University of the Philippines with a B.A. in Social Science. I was privileged to work as a computer programmer and computer systems analyst for the Air Force and Civil Service for more than 30 years, during which time I worked on many special projects, including the establishment of a direct voice communication line with Moscow in 1961, standardization codes and training and operations manuals for the Department of Defense. We moved to and lived in Richmond, Va., for 31 years, where I enjoyed buying, restoring and selling old houses, and Joyce continued her career as a school principal until she retired in 1987. After her retirement, we were able to spend more time traveling in the USA and abroad. I lived, worked or visited 46 of our beautiful 50 states; all of them free and strong. Joyce survives as does one sister, Dorothy Starr of Beorne, Texas. I loved my family and enjoyed spending time with them. They reciprocated with boundless love and respect. We had two children who survive, Jennifer Blair (born in South Carolina) and her husband, Robin, of Hampton; and Jeffrey Pittman (born in the Philippines) and his wife, Kathy, of Roswell, Ga.; five grandchildren survive, Julia Wiseman (Bob) and Gabriel Blair of Newport News, Brad Pittman (Stephanie) of Smyrna, Ga., Nolan Pittman (Lauren) and Reed Pittman of Nashville, Tenn.; four great-grandchildren survive, Alexis, Gabriel, Blair and Zoe Wiseman of Newport News. I lived a full and rewarding life, enjoyed travel to four continents with my wife, and to Asia with my wife and four of our grandchildren. I taught youth Sunday School, coached Little League sports, and led a Boy Scout troop. I was a Mason for 52 years. I was a member of Lions Club International for 31 years, served as District Governor for Lions and was recognized with International Lions President's medals for leadership. I was on the boards of Virginia Voice (a reading service for the blind), Old Dominion Eye Bank, Virginia Hearing Foundation and Lions of Virginia Foundation. I served on a Henrico County Beautification and Parks project. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2001. This degenerative disease resulted in my spending 10 months in the exceptional Dominion Village of Poquoson with the wonderful, caring and loving staff. The equally caring staff of Community Hospice Care helped my loved ones and me through the long days preceding my death. Our eternal thanks to both of these care giving groups. I will join those who have preceded me to spend eternity with God, and I pray He watches over you as He has me. A memorial service will be held at the Westwood Club, 6200 West Club Lane, Richmond, on August 17, 2008 at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to the Varina Lions Club, Box 7466, Saxby Road, Richmond, Va. 23231, or any charity that benefits children or the blind. Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
Published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on 8/10/2008.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.