of Searcy, AR
March 18, 1932 - April 2, 2024
Charles Pittman, 92, of Searcy passed from this life Tuesday, April 2, 2024 surrounded by family who are comforted by the beautiful hope he and they share: eternal life in the presence of the Lord. He was born March 18, 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee to J.C. and Demetra Bennett Pittman, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 28 years, Janet Watts Pittman.
He is survived by a son, Gary of Searcy; two daughters, Laura Rowan (Andy) of Little Rock and Kristen Arnette (Chip) of Branson, Missouri; five grandchildren, Bennett (Sarah), Caleb and Davis Rowan; Audrey and Aden Arnette and two great grandchildren, Addie and Drew Rowan. He is also survived by Mary-Rebecca Nalley, who referred to him as her ''Father figure''.
He retired as professor emeritus of English from Harding University, where he served on the faculty thirty-five years. Among his pleasant memories there were his twenty years as sponsor of Knights Social Club.
He was a longtime member of West Side Church of Christ, where he served twenty-three years as an elder. After he retired from that position, he served as the elders' secretary and in other behind-the-scenes capacities.
He lived a quiet, exemplary life of service to others.
At his request, there will be a graveside service at White County Memorial Gardens, Searcy, on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 1:00pm.
Memorials may be made to West Side Church of Christ, Searcy Children's Homes or Harding University.
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8 Condolence(s)
Cecil May
Monday, April 8, 2024
Goodbye, good friend. See you in the morning.
Jay Griffin
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Gary, Laura, and Christy, I offer my warm condolences on the passing of your dad. I remember him as a kind, hard working man who honored and loved your mother. Your family was (and is) a shining example of what a good Christian family should be. I loved growing up across the street from you all. Your parents really treated me like family. Love
George Rawlins
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Continuation of my first response which was sent before it was ready. I will always treasure the times that the Rawlins and the Pittman families spent together in Knoxville,Tennessee as well as in Searcy. The many times that Anna and I enjoyed the hospitality of Charles and Jeanette while three of our children attended Harding. A friendship that has remained for many years in spite of the untimely passing of our wives. I remember Charles as a fine Christian example who did his best to make the world a better place.
George Rawlins
Friday, April 5, 2024
My sympathy to Gary’,Kristin and Laura on the passing of their devoted Dad and my friend Charles
Lola Crouch
Thursday, April 4, 2024
I share with his family the sadness of Charles' suffering and passing, but we also greatly rejoice because of his wonderful victory in Jesus. We know without doubt he is with the Lord.
It has been my joy to renew our friendship from years past. I recently moved to Harding Place. The first time he saw me he said "Long-time, no see." It truly had been years. He was always so friendly and polite, a humble and godly man who I will miss.
I have enjoyed getting to see the children again after so many years. Kristen was a classmate of Tracy Crouch Cunningham, my daughter. There are many good memories of watching them grow up. Also, I have loved Gary and Laura and your dear mother who has been with Jesus for some time.
We will all be together again in the future.
Love in Jesus,
Lola Crouch
Alice Jewell
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Charles was a dear friend for many years. Our offices were side by side at Harding and he willingly helped me with computer issues and shared stories about his grandchildren. I especially appreciated his support of mission efforts in Albania. He will be missed.
Joseph Walker
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Charles was as kind and gentle of a man as anyone I have ever known. A "quiet and exemplary life of service to others," is such a fitting tribute--he truly thrived on finding ways to serve our Lord by serving others. I will miss his encouragement and his wit, but I am thankful he is with his Savior. God's blessings on Gary, Laura and Andy, Kristen and Chip, and all of their families.
Barbara Cox
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
I was so privileged to live next door to Charles at Harding Place. He was a wonderful, quiet Christian man and I am so thankful our paths crossed. Sympathy to his three children.