George "Mac" McArthur Pittman
|
|
| George "Mac" McArthur Pittman was born Aug. 12, 1942, and died Feb. 20, 2010. He married Virginia Diane Davis on Aug. 4, 1963; Margaret Sharon Hughes in 1981; and Debbie Moore on March 23, 1991. |
| Mac's children with Virginia Davis Pittman |
|---|
| George "Artie" McArthur Pittman Jr. |
| Christopher "Chris" Robert Pittman |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
George McArthur "Mac" Pittman Sr. was born on August 12, 1942, in Kenly, Johnston County, North Carolina.
Known as Mac to his family, he was the youngest son of Fletcher and Gertrude Stancil Pittman and was named after General George McArthur. Growing up in a close-knit farming family in the Glendale community, Mac's early life was deeply rooted in the land.
When Mac was just 8, his father suffered a stroke, making it impossible for him to continue farming. Despite his young age, Mac, along with his older brother H.A., shouldered the responsibilities of the farm. They worked tirelessly before and after school, tending to tobacco, corn, and cotton fields, as well as caring for hogs, chickens, and a milk cow. Annual hog killings were a significant event, filling the smokehouse with provisions. With no time for after-school activities, the family worked together, even picking cotton on Saturdays.
In 1955, H.A. graduated from Glendale High School, prompting Gertrude to move the family away from farming. At the age of thirteen, Mac began working at the Corner Grill in Kenly. He continued his education and graduated from Glendale High School in 1960, following family tradition.
After graduation, Mac moved to Newport News, Virginia, where he lived with his older sister Anne and worked for her husband, James Rudolph Langston, who owned a construction company. Mac worked in construction until May 1961, when he began his long and successful career at Newport News Shipbuilding. It was here that he started going by George instead of Mac.
George dedicated 42 years to the shipyard, becoming a highly valued employee. He retired as a Master Shipbuilder and General Foreman of crane rigging and the tool room, demonstrating his skill and dedication.
Growing up, George attended Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church with his family. After moving to Virginia, he became a member of Parkview Baptist Church. In 1988, he moved just across the North Carolina border and found a new church home at Eureka Baptist Church in Corapeake. He actively participated in the church, heading numerous committees and inspiring fellow members to engage in community outreach.
It was at work that George met Debbie Moore. Their first date took an unexpected turn when Debbie fell ill from food poisoning. George's quick action led them to spend the rest of the evening in the emergency room. Despite this memorable start, their bond grew strong, and they were married on March 23, 1991, at the home of Debbie’s brother, Chuck.
George moved into Debbie’s home in Corapeake, and together they pursued their dream of more land and open spaces. In 1992, they purchased additional acreage and built a large barn, creating a mini farm. This farm became home to horses, chickens, tractors, and a large vegetable garden that George felt "would have made his mama proud." He particularly enjoyed his riding horse, Sultan, while Debbie favored her part Tennessee Walker. They also kept an aging pony for their grandchildren.
George generously shared the fruits of his garden with family and neighbors, who eagerly awaited his visits with fresh produce. He and Debbie also hosted the annual June gatherings for the extended Pittman family, continuing a tradition that began in 1958. Their spacious property and George’s grilling skills made it an ideal location for these celebrations.
For many years, George, along with his brother H.A. and brother-in-law James Langston, were members of the Kenly Hunt Club. This close group of men shared a special camaraderie during their hunting trips near Jackson, North Carolina. George was a skilled deer hunter, often mounting his trophies, and Debbie occasionally joined him for both deer and rabbit hunting.
George and Debbie also shared a passion for travel, visiting all 48 contiguous United States over the years. Highlights of their adventures included flying over the Grand Canyon, which remained their favorite, and exploring Yellowstone National Park. Their last trip was to Michigan in the summer of 2009.
After retiring from the shipyard, George worked for G.P. Kittrell & Son farm in Corapeake, a job that brought him joy as it reminded him of his childhood on the farm. He enjoyed being outdoors and watching the crops grow, appreciating the modern, air-conditioned tractors with stereo systems, a stark contrast to the old Farmall Cub he once drove.
George cherished his relationship with his grandchildren. Amanda followed in his footsteps by working at the shipyard while attending apprentice school, and she always looked forward to meals at "Papa and Granny’s." His grandson A.J. was his constant companion, helping in the garden and learning to hunt. George delighted in watching A.J. ride his dirt bike. During the snowy winter of 2010, he enjoyed watching his sons Artie and Chris pull the grandchildren around the pasture on four-wheelers. He and Debbie loved attending Parker’s school plays and hosting family and friends, with George at the grill and Debbie in the kitchen.
In his later years, George developed a fondness for cats after Debbie brought home three abandoned kittens. Katie, Charlie, and Buttons quickly became beloved members of the household, often found on his lap or snuggled beside him in bed.
On January 10, 2010, George received a diagnosis of Asbestosis, a respiratory disease caused by years of asbestos exposure at the shipyard. Despite this, his sister Anne remembers him as being upbeat and never bitter. He continued to enjoy reading his newspaper in his sunroom, surrounded by his cats and overlooking his tractors.
George McArthur "Mac" Pittman Sr. passed away peacefully at home in Corapeake, Gates County, North Carolina, on February 20, 2010, with his wife Debbie by his side. His sons Artie and Chris were with him in the days before his passing.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Debbie Moore Pittman; his sons, George McArthur Pittman, Jr. and his wife Sandy, and Christopher Robert Pittman and his wife Jodie; his grandchildren, Amanda Wiggins, Parker Paige Pittman, George McArthur "A.J." Pittman III, and Ramsie Jewel Pittman; his sisters, Irene Pittman Wallace and her husband Ed, and Anne Pittman Viverette and her husband James; his brother, Billy Royce Pittman and his wife Jackie; and his sister-in-law, Johnnie Jean Pittman. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
George was preceded in death by his siblings, Arnold Webster Pittman, Gertie Mae Pittman Buchanan, Ruth Elder Pittman Langston, Jennifer Kaye Pittman Collins, Harvey Alton Pittman, and Thomas Rex Pittman, as well as other beloved family members.
George's funeral was held at Eureka Baptist Church on February 23, 2010, with interment in the church cemetery. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, known for his generosity, his love for others, and his quiet faith in God. He lived by the Golden Rule, always striving to improve the lives of those around him.