Obituary of Dr. Silas Pittman

Dr. Silas Pittman passed away on April 16, 2024, in his apartment at The Phoenix at Lake Joy Assisted Living. He was fortunate to spend his last days surrounded by family, cherished staff, and new friends from The Phoenix at Lake Joy. A funeral service honoring the life of Dr. Pittman will be held in the Chapel of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jason Duke officiating.  
The family will greet friends at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, Sunday, April 21, 2024 between 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A private committal service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Pine View Memorial Gardens, North Augusta, South Carolina with Dr. Paul W. Noe officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to: The Phoenix at Lake Joy, 100 Lake Crossing Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088, Memo: Activities Department or The Vine Church, P.O.Box 21, Perry, GA 31069, Memo: Phoenix Assisted Living Worship.

Silas was born September 14, 1932, in Cobbtown, Georgia to the late Jefferson Davis Pittman and Claudia Kemp Pittman Coursey. In addition to his parents, Silas is preceded in death by his beloved wife: Sarah Davis Pittman, his three brothers: Paul Pittman, Jeff Pittman, and Mike Coursey; five of his sisters: Flo Harveston, DeAlice Strickland, Geneva Walters, Omie Harper, and Annette McFarland.
Silas was the 7th child of Jefferson and Claudia. Unfortunately, Jefferson passed away unexpectedly before Silas was born. Claudia went on to marry Mr. William Asbury Coursey. Together, they had five additional children. Thus, Silas often bragged he was from a “big family” with three brothers and 8 sisters.

Silas graduated from Metter High School in 1949. He then enlisted in the Army and served from 1953 to 1955. Following his military service, he attended Valdosta State University and graduated in 1959. Soon after, Silas moved to Florida and began a career in education. He taught high school at Columbia High School from 1959 to 1968. He was appointed to serve as Columbia County School Superintendent from 1968 to 1972, returning to teaching Social Studies from 1973 to 1976. He ran for election to the school Board of Education in 1976 and won. He was re-elected for two consecutive terms to serve as Columbia County School Superintendent;1981-1984,1985-1988. Additionally, during his time with Columbia County School System he earned a Master's degree in Education, from University of Florida and Doctorate of Education from Nova University.

Throughout Silas’ professional education career, he was passionate that all children should be given an opportunity to be embraced for their uniqueness, exposed to a variety of experiences, and enriched by dedicated educators and mentors. He believed in the benefits of integrated schools, advocated for creative instructional design, and was committed to providing each student with the means and materials to get to school and learn in a safe environment. Still wanting to make a difference in people’s lives, Silas became a counselor supporting individuals at Hamilton Correctional Institution. His area of focus was behavioral health, pro-social skills, and re-entry into the community.

In 2001, Silas married Sarah Davis and relocated to Baldwin, Florida. Silas not only gained a lovely bride, but he gained another “big family” that included him as if he was one of their own. It is an understatement to say that Silas enjoyed the numerous road trips, extended vacations, BBQs, egg hunts, church events, and family get-togethers. HE LOVED ALL OF IT!

Outside of his professional life, Silas was a member of The Elks Lodge #893 for 63 years. He had a passion for farming, gardening, politics, Alcoholics Anonymous, travel, church involvement, volunteering with high school students;  enjoying food, singing, music, and spending time with people.

He is survived by his two daughters Alexis Pittman Williams (John), Greensboro, NC; Daphne Pittman Masters (Shawn) Warner Robins, GA., a step-son Daryl Davis(Gwen), and a step-daughter Diane Bullard (Fred). His grandchildren include Jackson, Avery, and Charlotte Williams, and Darby and Brooks Masters. Silas is also survived by three sisters: Colleen Price, Dot Youngblood, and Bobbie Futch; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.
 

Please sign the online guest registry at www.heritagemfh.com and leave a personal condolence for the family.

Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has the honor of being entrusted with the arrangements.

To watch the funeral service, please click HERE. 

To watch the graveside service with military honors, please click HERE.