Melvin Lewis Pitman
(September 15, 1917 - August 2, 2016)
Melvin Lewis Pitman, 98, passed peacefully from this world on August 2, 2016 at his home in Kilmarnock.
He was born to Dorsey and Blanche Lewis Pitman in the upstairs residence of his father’s store, more recently known as Delano’s Store, on Route 200 near Kilmarnock. Melvin was educated at Shiloh School in Balls Neck, which was within walking distance of his home at Cedar Hill, and at Wicomico High School.
He married the love of his life, Mary Virginia Carter, on March 14, 1944 in Kilmarnock. He was drafted into the United States Army in May, 1941. Originally assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, he was later sent to Officer Training School and reassigned to the Thirteenth Armored Division based out of Camp Beale. With his division as part of General George S. Patton’s Third Army, he saw action in France, Austria and Germany. The unit participated in action during the Ruhr Valley Campaign, and various concentration camp liberation actions and prisoner captures.
Following WWII service, he returned home to his wife and his farm where he began his career as a dairy farmer. He and his son converted the operation to beef cattle and grain in 1972. Melvin regularly engaged in service both to his local community and to the wider agriculture community in many capacities; most notably on the Board of Directors of Southern States Cooperative. His local community service ranged from serving as a volunteer deputy, game warden, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and court baliff; and in later years was devoted to his church family at Morattico Baptist Church. On October 20, 1978, serving in his capacity as a member of Flotilla 33 Coast Guard Auxillary, he responded to the sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Cuyahoga with his own vessel and assisted in the rescue of survivors.
He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, which never left him even in his final days. He will also be remembered for his strength of character (sometimes bordering on iron will), deep compassion, and absolute devotion to his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Virginia Carter Pitman, his son Kenneth Lewis Pitman, and his infant daughter Patricia Anne Pitman.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert M. and Helen Pitman; his grandson Robert K. Pitman of Warsaw; his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Ginny and Brian Barnes of Kilmarnock; and two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Rachel Barnes, who will sorely miss their Pop Pop. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret P.Welch of Kilmarnock; a number of loving nieces and nephews, kind friends and compassionate caregivers.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 6th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Craig Smith officiating. Visitation with the family will be held starting at 9:30 the same morning, also at Morattico Baptist Church.
Memorials in his honor may be made to Kilmarnock-Lancaster Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 333 Kilmarnock; Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1295, Kilmarnock; or Morattico Baptist Church, P.O. Box 228, Kilmarnock VA 22482.