Happy 97th birthday, Mr. Pittman!

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Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

George Pittman, Sr., celebrated turning 97 years old with a group of friends and fans at the Jefferson County Recreation Park on Tuesday morning, Aug. 1. Happy Birthday, Mr. Pittman!
Pittman was wearing his World War II Veteran cap and a bright orange Rattlers tee-shirt as the group gathered around him. Sheriff Mac McNeill presented Pittman with a star badge to represent him being an honorary deputy who has served the local community so well. As Pittman turned his attention to gifts and cards, the first card held 97 dollars in cash collected by the group, along with a note of appreciation.
“Today is for celebrating you,” the card read, “giving praise for the blessing God made you to be. So, go ahead, let your light shine and know that everyone who has has been touched by your warmness is praying for your happiness today and every day. Happy Birthday. May God bless you on your special day and may you have many more days to celebrate with joyous happiness.”
Another gift was a framed picture of a red tow truck from Charles and Shirley Gilley, a tribute to an inside joke between them and Pittman. Next Pittman was presented with an original poem of appreciation entitled “A Walking Blessing,” composed by local resident Ken Robinson on behalf of Pittman's Walking Buddies. Pittman read the poem aloud to the group. Then he was handed a coffee mug filled with burgundy silk flowers, which he gave out one by one. As the mug emptied of the blooms, he discovered that another bundle of cash in the amount of 97 dollars had been holding the flowers up – yet another recognition of his many years of involvement in the lives of so many community members. Yet another card, from Hodges Sneed, held even more birthday money: a 97-dollar check. It seemed the group was banking on Pittman being with them for three times 97 years!
The celebration continued with an elegant cake and time for all to fellowship. The poem captured the feeling of all: “Mr. George Pittman... You've blessed us with your presence, love, knowledge and taught us many life lessons... You're always positive in your thoughts and with your words... We love and appreciate you more than you'll ever know.”