Church Member Spotlight George W. Pittman Sr.

Story Submitted

This week’s church member spotlight shines on George W. Pittman Sr., of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church (MMBC). Pittman Sr. has been an active member of MMBC for over six decades.
“Deek,” as he is lovingly called, is also the oldest living member of MMBC. He has served under four pastors, including the current pastor, the Reverend Doctor Emeritus Moderator James “JB” Duvall.
Pittman Sr. was born in Jacob City, Jackson County, near Marianna Fla. He joined the United States Air Force on July 5, 1945. After his military service, he returned home on Dec. 4, 1950, then moved to Jefferson County. Shortly after arriving in Monticello, Pittman Sr. joined MMBC.

Pittman Sr. has served Jefferson County in many capacities and many ways. He is the former administrator and teacher of the Veteran Education Night School Program that served over 100 veterans, including many who received their high school diplomas during his eight-year tenure. In 1958, Pittman became assistant principal at Howard Academy Middle/High School. After eight years in that role, he became principal, a position he held until the integration of the schools in 1970.

After leaving his position at Howard Academy, Pittman Sr. returned to the adult school as director. Pittman Sr. has served on several organization and community boards. He was the first black to serve on the Watermelon Festival Planning Committee. He currently serves as secretary of the Jefferson Senior Citizen Board.

Since being ordained as a Deacon at MMBC, Pittman Sr. has taken his duties to heart. At age 94, he continues to be a wise counselor and mentor to the young members, rendering service to the church and members in any way he can. He was married to the late Julia Pittman, who also logged in many years with the Jefferson County School District. You can see “Deek” walking around town three or four days a week. Before COVID-19, Pittman Sr. would be seen at city and County meetings and events. One of his favorite events came when he and several local veterans were recipients of a free trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Honor Flight Tallahassee, to visit the various monuments raised in their honor. Pittman Sr. is a blessing to the Jefferson County and Monticello community and MMBC.