William Bryan Pittman

William Bryan Pittman, 72, went to be with the Lord, October 2, 2007 at Rex Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was a faithful husband, beloved father and grandfather, a trusted friend and southern gentleman.
Bill was born in Sanford on October 23, 1934 to the Honorable Judge J. Carlton Pittman and Hazel Faircloth Pittman. His early education was in Lee County and he was a 1952 graduate of Woodberry Forest School, Orange, Virginia. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1956 and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He married the former Susan Andes of Miami, FL on June 30, 1956 and spent the next 51 years loving her and building a strong family with her. His devotion to and love for his family and his God were the foundation of his life.
Bill served in the Navy from 1956-58, then earned a law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1961. He practiced law with his father at the firm Pittman, Staton and Betts in Sanford for 11 years. In 1972 he moved to Raleigh and became President and General Counsel of First Title Insurance Company. He remained active in all phases of the title insurance business up until the time of his death, at which time he was Vice President and Counsel of The Title Company of North Carolina. He was also a co-owner of Jeffrey's Appliance Center with his son, Andy.
Among the things Bill loved dearly were his family, his church, the game of golf, a good hearty laugh, and the Carolina Tar Heels. He took immense pleasure from activities that involved any or all of these. He was a loving and generous father to his four children and their spouses, and a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren. His humble, gentle manner and ever sharp wit drew people to him, and he made them his lifelong friends. His presence will always be felt in the lives of those he loved. They will always be blessed for having had his influence in their lives.
Besides his wife, Susan, he is survived by his daughter, Briane P. Kearns, her husband, John, and children, Debra and Reece of Greensboro; three sons, Carlton Andes Pittman and wife, Brenda Barnes Pittman; daughters, Sarah and Rebecca, Andy Pittman and wife, Suzette Ferrell Pittman; daughter, Andi and son, Jackson, William Faircloth Pittman and wife, Nadine Scarantino Pittman, and son, William Charles. He is also survived by his brother, John Thomas Pittman and his wife, Elisabeth Norfleet Pittman of Sanford, and their children, Lisa, Paul and John Jr. and their families.
The family would like to express gratitude to the Drs. Wells Edmundson, Chuck Scarantino, Pete Hoffman and Lola Olajide for the concern and professional care they provided Bill during the past seven months of his battle with angiosarcoma. Sincere appreciation also goes to the Rex Hospital fifth floor East staff who worked tirelessly to provide comfort, support, and compassion to Bill and all his family.
The family will receive friends at White Memorial Presbyterian Church from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday. The Witness to the Resurrection Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the church, with visitation to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to one of the following: White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Pastors' Fund for Special Assistance, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh 27608 or to the Rex Hospital Foundation, 4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, N.C. 27607, earmarked: Five East Furniture Fund.
Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Rd. Raleigh.