John Cobb Pittman

John graduated from Shades Cahaba High School. He then went to Howard College where he lettered several years in basketball and there met his future wife, Marjorie Holcomb Pittman. During World War II, JOhn served his country as a Marine. He was in the Pacific Theater on Okinawa where he was a member of Carlson’s Raiders. During that campaign, trying to save others, he was wounded five times and received two Purple Hearts.

John spent his whole business career in the life insurance industry. After the war, he joined his father’s firm, John Hancock for three years. He was then offered the New England Mutual agency where he was a producer and managing partner for thirty-two years. His agency won three President’s Trophies and he qualified multiple times for the Million Dollar Round Table. He completed his career as a Senior Regional Vice President for New England Mutual.

John stayed committed to his alma mater by chairing its Board of Trustees twice and served in virtually every position during his 62 years. The school therefore has created the John C. Pittman Spirit award. With his wife Marge, they were founding members of Brookwood Baptist Church where he was the chairman of the Board of Deacons and lifelong Sunday-school teacher. He volunteered and raised money for many causes, but his favorite was the United Way because of its mission of helping “the least of these.” He was campaign chair in 1986, and his family was honored for the Tocqueville Society award in 2006. He was on the Board of Mountain Brook Club and a founding member at Shoal Creek where he was President during the 1990 PGA. John and Marge were members of Wildcat Cliffs Country Club in Highlands, N.C. for 25 years where they enjoyed a second home. Golf was his favorite sport winning the B Division of the Championship Flight of the State Amateur Tournament. Over his career he made eight hole-in-ones. He shot his age in golf multiple times every year starting in his late 70’s and into his early 90’s. Later in life, he also achieved Life Master status in duplicate bridge.

John was preceded in death by his parents, W.I. and Renah Lanz Pittman and his wife of sixty-four years Marjorie. Also, by brother William L, sister, Renah Claire Taylor and younger brother James Noel. He is survived by children Carol (Steve Mitchell), son David (Dede) and grandchildren Carrie, Lacey (Joel Hewes), Carlin (Baird Graham), Leslie and grandson, Rand Mitchell (Megan). Also, great-grandchildren Joel, Gray Crawford, Wells Hewes and Tinsley and Banks Graham.

John’s life was a life well loved, serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his wife, Samford University and the church. He was a generous man who touched many lives in every area of his involvement. The family would like to thank his caregivers Evangelina Patton, Molicca Banks, Trina Paulding, Charlene Davis and Dr. Harold Simon and Optum Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the John C. Scholarship Fund at Samford University, office of University Advancement at 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229 or you may send your donation to Brookwood Baptist Church Construction Mission Project at 3449 Overton Road, Birmingham, Al 35223.