Charles Edward Pittman

Jelly beans, Sudoku puzzles, and hand warmers make us smile, but his love for Jesus, his family, and his friends is how we remember Charles Edward Pittman who died Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Pleasant Valley Hospital. Charlie, as he was known to everyone, was born June 3, 1933, in Charleston, WV, to Rafael (Wilson) and Dewey Lee Pittman. He graduated from Charleston High School in 1951. After training at Camp Pickett in Virginia, he served in Korea and Japan as a medic in the army. The men he served with became life-long friends. While he was serving, back at home the love of his life was impatiently waiting, and on May 19, 1955, (12 days after he returned home), he married Jean Ann Moore. Together, they built their marriage on a love for and faith in Jesus that lasted almost 66 years. Charlie was a good provider for his family and started working at Kaiser Aluminum. After 11 years, he decided to accept a position closer to home and began working at the NAPA store in Point Pleasant. He made many friends while working at NAPA, and the lasting friendship of John and Shirley Coen always held a special place in his heart. If you didn’t find Charlie at NAPA, you just might find him serving in various ways at his local church, Point Pleasant Church of the Nazarene. Because he loved Jesus, he was available to serve in various capacities there as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, board member, usher, and choir member. Charlie also looked forward to the special events at the WV Nazarene Camp in Summersville.He enjoyed attending the annual Layman’s Retreat, Family Camp, and Work Weeks. He always anticipated these times of renewal in his life and volunteered for several overseas and national “Work and Witness” mission trips with his wife Jean Ann and friends John and Shirley. He looked forward to these opportunities to learn from other cultures and to share the love of Jesus. He passed this legacy on to his children, Denise (Bruce) McPheron of Sidney, Ohio; Pam (Roy) Hay of Pt. Pleasant; and Doug (Debbie) Pittman of Irmo, South Carolina. All of his children love Jesus and actively serve in their local congregations. As the family has been reflecting on their memories with Charlie, his grandchildren have quite a few that warm their hearts. Rebecca Pittman remembers how special she felt whenever Charlie prompted her to wear her socks or covered her feet with his blanket. He was always cold and always wanted those around him to be warm. Ryan Pittman likes to talk about the times he would stay in Pt. Pleasant and go fishing with Charlie at Krodel Park. Perhaps Jesse Pittman’s favorite recollection is staying alone with Mama and Papa and watching “Saving Private Ryan” with Charlie—as a 4 year old! Christina McPheron thought she was pulling a fast one on her parents when Charlie would sneak downstairs after she’d been tucked in for the night to give her crackers as a bedtime snack. Zachary McPheron was pleased to have finally found the perfect gift for Charlie—a rechargeable hand-warmer. Most days you could find Charlie lovingly holding it and trying to keep warm. Randi (Brandon) Wiford’s favorite memory combines Charlie’s love for Jesus with his love for his family. Some people will tell you they’re praying for you, but when Charlie told her, she knew he would pray for her by name everyday. He was a special older brother to Patty (Bob) Miller of Charleston, WV, and Ron Pittman of Athens, OH. They enjoyed reminiscing about the “old home place” and family gatherings they would have. Because of his hope in Jesus, Charlie knew that when he saw Jesus face to face, he would also be reunited with his infant son, Randy, and his sister Barbara (Pittman) Beane. We can only imagine the reunion that is happening as we remember this very special man of God. The family appreciates the care Charlie received from the staff at the VA in Gallipolis. Sharing his M & M’s with you was something he eagerly looked forward to. We would also like to thank the staff at Pleasant Valley Hospital for the care and attention they offered Charlie and his family this past week. Your kindness is a privilege we will never forget. For those who would like to celebrate Charlie’s life with the family, there will be a visitation at Point Pleasant Church of the Nazarene Wednesday, February 10, 2021, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Visitation will be socially-distanced and masks will be required for those who are able to attend. The family will hold a private service officiated by Pastors Doug Hendrixson, Jim Ellis, and Charles Marker to honor and remember Charlie on Thursday. Military graveside honors will be given by the West Virginia Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Point Pleasant Church of the Nazarene or WV Nazarene Camp at Nazarene District Office PO Box 2029 Fairmont, WV 26555. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant. Condolences may be expressed to the family and memories may be shared by visiting www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.