Robert Beasley Pittman

Robert B. Pittman died on Saturday, September 16th, surrounded by loved ones. Robbie was born November 26, 1946 in Wilson, NC to parents Fred and Martha (Owens) Pittman. Robbie was raised in the rural farming community of Stantonsburg where he learned the values of community, family, and hard work. He attended Saratoga Central High School, excelling both academically and athletically; and then furthered his education at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in mathematics. Following graduation in 1969, he was inducted into the Army serving with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. After his military service he returned to Chapel Hill, earned advanced degrees in educational research, and met his loving wife of 49 years, Pam (Baldwin) Pittman.

Robbie accepted a position at Western Carolina University in 1975 and enjoyed a 32-year teaching career in the School of Education. Though his graduate courses in statistics and research design were initially dreaded by students; he made the subject matter understandable, while earning the respect and admiration of his many students for his genuine interest in each of them. Robbie took his educational career seriously and never stopped working to improve his classes. He was recognized in his field as an outstanding teacher and educator.
 
Outside the classroom, Robbie was devoted to his faith, his family, and the community. He enjoyed hiking, camping, and golfing in the beautiful mountains of WNC. He shared his love of the outdoors with his two sons, Dan and Michael, who were his greatest joy. Robbie and Pam shared many great travels and friendships throughout their years together. 
 
Robbie was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Randy and Martin, and sister-in-law Libby Voss Pittman. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pam, sons Dan of Smyrna, GA and Michael (Rebecca) of Sylva, sister Bethanne Matari (Sami) of Atlanta, GA, an uncle, Ray Pittman of San Antonio, TX, extended family, and a multitude of friends. 

Robbie will be remembered for his quick wit, his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, his kind and gentle ways, and his joy of life. He treasured his many friends and family members, and he greatly enriched their lives by his example of hard work and loving kindness.

A Celebration of Life service for Robbie will be held at Cullowhee United Methodist Church, on Saturday, September 23rd, at 10:00 AM. Reception to follow. For those who cannot attend, the service will be live streamed on the CUMC YouTube page. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice (fourseasonsfdn.org) or to churches and charities of one’s choice. The best way to honor Robbie’s memory is to do a kindness for someone else every day, as he would want us to make the world a better place.