Fred Randolph Pitman, Sr.

Frederick Randolph Pitman, Sr., of Decatur, GA, passed away December 25, 2009, at age 94. Fred was born February 2, 1915, in Jacksonville, FL, to Ellen Maud Davies and Hasley Burguin Pitman. He grew up in Waycross, GA, and Jacksonville, FL. From 1934-1970, he was employed with Swift & Co. in Jacksonville and Atlanta. From 1942-1946 he served as an officer in the Quartermaster Corp of the U.S. Army, managing food services for convalescent hospitals in the U.S. He was a long-time, active member of Decatur First United Methodist Church where he also served as Business Administrator from 1971-1980. His final career was working part-time for the DeKalb County Elections Board from 1980-2000 as a poll manager and Manager of the Election Warehouse which distributed and maintained voting equipment for the polls. Fred and Jean Brown married in 1947; they lived in the Atlanta area where they raised three sons until Jean's death in 1970. In 1974, Fred married Jane Adams Ray; they enjoyed 32 years together until Jane's death in 2006. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, half-brothers Nathan Alford Pitman and Carl Burguin Pitman, brother, Ernest Pitman, sister May Pitman Shanks and his two beloved wives. He is survived by his three sons, Fred Pitman, Jr., Robert Pitman, and Paul Pitman and wife Jane; two grandsons, William (Billy) and Brian Pitman; and many loving nieces and nephews. From Jane's family, stepson Larry Ray and wife Frances; stepdaughters Janet Edwards and husband Carl, Diana Tope, and Nancy Ray; grandchildren Laura, Susan, Amy, Larry, Paul, Craig, Michael, Melody, Jennifer, Whitney, Keri, and their families including fourteen great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 30, at Decatur First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Perry, GA, at a later date. Visitation will be Monday, December 28, from 6-8 pm at A. S. Turner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to a charity of the donor's choice. A. S. Turner & Sons