Military Service

Billy enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 1, 1951. After being sworn in at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was immediately sent for six weeks of basic training to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, the Air Force's largest training wing. During his travel by train, he was temporarily made a Sergeant to be in charge of 40 troops, a stripe sewn on his uniform for three days before being removed upon arrival at Tyndall. He then underwent three months of Air Police Training at Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City, Florida, a role later known as Security Police, which he embraced. Billy and Jackie corresponded regularly, though Billy often found himself with almost no money. He once wrote to his mother, Gertrude, about his financial situation, and she lovingly sent him all she had—a single dollar bill—which Billy cherished and kept throughout his life.

Following his Air Police training, Billy had a month-long furlough and $50 in his pocket. He rode the train back to Smithfield, where his love for Jackie had blossomed. They decided to marry before his next assignment. Billy proudly wore his Air Force uniform when he and Jackie married at 5 p.m. on April 20, 1951, in the foyer of the First Baptist Church in Smithfield. Their parents, Fletcher and Gertrude Pittman, and Vonza and Minnie Underwood, attended the ceremony, which was officiated by Rev. James C. Carmichael, a Baptist Minister. Billy's brother, Thomas Rex, served as a witness. After the wedding, Billy and Jackie traveled to Newport News, Virginia, for a visit with Billy's sisters, Gertie and Irene, and their husbands.

In May, Billy left for Roswell, New Mexico, where he was stationed with the 509th Bombardment Wing at Walker Air Force Base, then the largest Strategic Air Command Base of the Air Force. He was assigned to the 393rd Bomb Squadron, a combat unit known for having dropped the atomic bombs. Billy was stationed there for three and a half years, working security in the Orderly Room, with duties that included assigning personnel to barracks. Billy rented an apartment in Roswell, and soon Jackie joined him. Her father put her on a Trailways Bus in Raleigh for Dallas, asking the driver to look after her on her first trip away from home. In Dallas, she changed buses and rode an old bus to Roswell, where Billy and a large dust storm greeted her upon her arrival. Jackie's banking experience quickly paid off; the First National Bank of New Mexico hired her immediately. Billy served until his honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant in 1955. For a period, he even considered re-enlisting, a testament to his dedication. Upon their return, their footlockers were shipped back to Smithfield by the Air Force, while Jackie and Billy drove their 1953 light green, four-door Plymouth back home.

Life in Raleigh

Jackie and Billy moved to Raleigh. By 1954, Jackie was working as a bookkeeper for Security National Bank in Raleigh, supporting the family when Billy enrolled in Hardbarger's Business School in Raleigh around 1954. He studied accounting and worked part-time at Pritchard Glass and Paint Company. Billy graduated in 18 months, and Pritchard Glass and Paint, not wanting to lose such a valuable employee, offered him a full-time position as a salesman in 1956. By 1958, he became a department manager. Billy would work at Pritchard for 38 years, and later at Carolina Glass and Mirror in Raleigh, building lasting friendships with colleagues and customers, enjoying the opportunity to connect with people.

While working for the bank, Jackie continued her love for music, taking piano classes on Saturdays and sometimes during the week at Meredith College in Raleigh. After completing her studies, she was employed as the pianist for Fellowship Baptist Church in Garner, North Carolina. Jackie also taught piano lessons. This became Jackie and Billy's church for years. Later, they moved their membership to the First Baptist Church of Garner, North Carolina. Jackie changed banks after a few years, becoming a teller at First National Bank, where she worked for ten years.

Jackie then left banking to work for the North Carolina General Assembly as an administrative assistant, a position she loved, making countless friends over the years. She worked for several state representatives, including the well-regarded Dr. John R. "Doc" Gamble from Lincoln County, a MASH surgeon in Korea and Japan whose influence was critical in establishing a medical school for East Carolina University, which became a reality in 1974.

Jackie loved her family and was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Her son, Timothy Wayne, and daughter, Barbara Gail, were born in Raleigh. Her grandchildren are Captain Jordan Lee Pittman, U.S. Army, and Alexandra Elise Pittman. She had a close and loving relationship with all of them. Jackie was active in church her entire life. As a baby, her parents took her to Smithfield Baptist Church, and she continued to share her faith with family and friends. Billy remembered her faith, sharing, "Jackie's greatest desire was to live a life that honored her Savior, Jesus Christ. She shared the love, peace, and joy that Christ put in her heart with as many people as she could." Melinda Jones reflected, "In your life you touched so many. In your death many lives were changed."

Life after the Air Force brought Billy many joys. He cherished spending time at the beach with his family, embarking on trips with his beloved wife Jackie, and finding solace in working in his yard and garden. Some of Jackie's happiest times were spent at their beach house in Wilmington, North Carolina, with her family, loving its beauty and tranquility. Jackie and Billy made a cross-country trip to visit the 1967 deactivated Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico, a visit that brought back many special memories of their early life and struggles as newlyweds.

Healtj concerns and Later Years

Jackie and Billy were also dedicated attendees of the Stancil Family Reunions and the Gertrude Stancil Pittman Reunions, valuing their connections with family. When Jackie was later unable to attend reunions, Billy would visit her before the event.

When Billy needed open-heart surgery in 1992, Jackie immediately retired from the N.C. General Assembly to be by his side. Her expertise and dedication were greatly missed.

In a profound display of love and commitment, Billy became the devoted caregiver for his wife Jackie when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He dedicated himself to her care until her passing. Jackie spent her last few years in Gabriel Manor, an assisted living facility in Clayton. Bill was very devoted to Jackie and visited her daily.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Underwood Pittman died at the age of 85 in the arms of her family on September 3, 2016. Her funeral was at the First Baptist Church, Garner. She is buried in Montlawn Memorial Park, Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C.

Jackie blessed us with many precious memories and lived her life reflecting God's love.

After a full and meaningful life, Billy Royce Pittman passed away at the age of 89 on March 28, 2020, in Garner, North Carolina. He is buried in Montlawn Memorial Park next to Jackie.

Billy will be fondly remembered for his service to his country, his kindness, and his deep love for his family.