Charles Franklin Pittman, 93, peacefully passed away on April 15, 2023, at his residence in McKinney, Texas. Having placed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, he entered into his heavenly home, joining family that preceded him.
Charles was born on December 22, 1929, in Wichita, Kansas, to his parents, George Raymond Pittman and Ethel Marie Pittman. He was the youngest of five boys with older brothers Ray, Bob, Joe and Jack, and all with a younger sister, Patricia, affectionately known as Babe. Being the younger brother, Charlie learned quick how to stand his ground — an attribute which would serve him well as he grew older.
In 1945, his friend George urged him to “come see this pretty girl” who that day would be graduating from John Marshall Junior High to continue her education at Wichita North High School where Charles would also be attending. The friends rode their bicycles across town and took a seat in the balcony. Eyeing the pretty girl in the white dress, George pointed her out and exclaimed “there she is!” Charles took one look and said, “that’s the girl I’m going to marry!” Five years after getting his first glimpse of “the one” worth fighting for (and yes, he didn’t pull any punches when it came to holding true to his intentions), and after eventually winning over the approval of her father, Charles would marry his high school sweetheart, Lois Klinghamer. Their wedding date was September 3, 1950, and together they would celebrate more than 72 years of life with each other.
Their early married years saw Charles enlist in the U.S. Army to serve overseas in combat duty during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he and Lois would move to Dallas, Texas, where Charles would complete his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University’s Business School, earning his Bachelors Degree in Insurance. Together, they raised their family of four children, Gail, Ron, Barbara and Brenda.
With his affable personality and wonderful sense of humor, Charlie’s exceptional people skills served him well throughout his career. He loved meeting people and made it a lifelong pattern to befriend almost everyone he encountered. His career path led him from working as a record setting agent for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company into banking, where he would serve as President and CEO of Leader Savings and Loan from 1964 to 1970, and as President and CEO of Exchange Savings and Loan of Dallas with its nine offices from 1971 to 1977. Together with a business partner, he formed United Mortgage company, opening five offices in the DFW Metroplex, servicing $2 billion in loans. In 1977, while continuing as a consultant to several banks and S&Ls, Charles entered into residential development starting with a tract of land near Lake Lavon in Lucas, Texas.
During his career he served as President of Northwest Dallas Kiwanis Club and Dallas Kiwanis Club, was a member of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce and Dallas Home Builders Association, and worked as team captain for United Fund. An avid golfer, Charles had memberships at Las Colinas Country Club, Brookhaven Country Club and Royal Oaks Country Club. He worshipped at Highland Park Methodist Church, Spring Valley Methodist Church, Believer’s Chapel, Grace Bible Church, and Prestonwood Baptist Church.
A devoted husband and father, Charles’ family life and relationships were the source of his greatest joy and affection. He was coach, cheerleader, fan, enthusiastic supporter, vacation organizer, impulsive sponsor and reunion promoter of all things family. Charlie was the life of every party, a king jokester, a fun-loving friend and a follower of Christ. To his family, he was Hesbin, Dad, Uncle Charlie, Papa and so much more to the many souls who grew to love and adore him. He will be dearly missed by his wife and stadium-filling sized family.
Charles is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lois Pittman; daughter Gail Wallace and her husband Blair Wallace; son Ron Pittman and his wife Cindy Pittman; daughter Barbara Banasky and her husband Ed Banasky; and daughter Brenda Simcox and her husband Kevin Simcox; in addition to 24 grandchildren (with all their spouses) and the 49, 50, 51… and counting great-grandchildren!
A memorial service will be held for Charles on Saturday, April 29th at 2 p.m. at Chase Oaks Church - Sloan Creek Campus, 611 E. Stacy Road, Fairview, TX 75069.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles Pittman to: Prestonwood Baptist Church. Donations can be sent to 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano, TX 75093 or given online at https://prestonwood.org/give/give-financially/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Pittman family.
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