Thomas Rex Pittman, the sixth of ten children born to Fletcher and Gertrude Stancil Pittman, entered the world on July 21, 1932, in Johnston County, North Carolina. His siblings included Gertie Mae, Mable Irene, Arnold Webster (who died young), Ruth Elder, Billy Royce, Harvey Alton, Anne, George "Mac," and Jennifer "Jenny" Kaye Pittman. Tom's earliest memory was living on a farm situated next to the property of Thomas Emmette Stancil, son of George Ira Stancil Sr. He was a member of Center Ridge Presbyterian Church in Johnston County.

While in tenth grade at Glendale High School, Tom met his future wife, Carolyn Ann Howard. His sister Anne introduced them, as Anne was married to Carolyn's older brother, Billy Ray Howard. Carolyn was born on February 23, 1944, in Wilson, North Carolina, and grew up on a farm.

Tom graduated from high school in 1951. Following his graduation, he moved to Newport News, Virginia, where he worked in the shipyards for a period. A significant family event occurred on August 19, 1952, when his father, Fletcher Pittman, passed away, leaving Tom his 1937 Ford car.

In 1956, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force. His military service took him to various locations, starting with basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base near Wichita Falls, Texas, home of the 82nd Training Wing. From there, he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, home of the 28th Bomb Wing and the B-1B Lancer aircraft. His final assignment led him to Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage, Alaska, the largest Air Force installation in Alaska and headquarters of the Alaskan Command, where he was assigned to the Fire Department. Tom served for approximately two years before receiving an honorable discharge while in Alaska. Upon his discharge, Tom purchased a car from a fellow airman and embarked on a memorable five-day journey back to North Carolina, driving almost 24 hours per day along the Alaskan Highway with another soldier.

Tom married Carolyn in October 1959. They built their family with two daughters: Sandra, born in 1961, and Angela, born in 1974. Tom absolutely loved his grandchildren: Cassidy, Luke, Shelton, and Devin.

Throughout his career, Tom's work centered around building refrigerated truck bodies. Later in life, Tom joined the Freewill Baptist Church and was a member of the Republican Party.

After 44 years of marriage, Tom's beloved wife, Carolyn, passed away on February 28, 2005. She is buried in Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Kenly, North Carolina. In September 2005, Tom attended the Stancil Family Reunion, bringing his grandson Luke with him.

In May 2007, Tom became quite ill. He entered Cape Fear Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, suffering from heart and lung problems. A day before his death, he was transferred to the palliative care unit of Highsmith-Rainey Memorial Hospital.

Thomas Rex Pittman passed away on Friday, March 7, 2008, in Highsmith-Rainey Memorial Hospital, Fayetteville, North Carolina. His funeral was conducted on March 9 at the Minshew-Coley Funeral Home in Kenly by The Rev. Harold Swinson. His brother-in-law, Donald Howard, sang "Daddy's Hands" and "I Saw the Light." Tom is laid to rest next to his beloved Carolyn in Holly Springs Church Cemetery.

— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil