T.E. "Gene" Pitman

In the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2009, T.E. "Gene" Pitman was called home by his Lord and Savior to join other family members and friends who predeceased him.

Born, April 28, 1932 in Hamilton, Georgia, he moved to Lake Wales in 1939. He served during the Korean Conflict in the US Army and later became a Licensed Registered Optician. He was a Fellow in the National Academy of Opticianry and a member of the American Board of Opticianry, Florida Board of Opticianry and Polk County Association of Opticianry. He taught High School Sunday School at First Baptist Church for many years. He was a member of the Bartow Lions Club, Lake Wales Sertoma Club and enjoyed fishing, gardening and working in the yard. After retiring from the optical business, he worked for Ray's Motor Sales for 13 years.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Beth Pitman; daughters, Francy Bass (husband, Marvin) of Lakeland and Susie McGill (husband, Rick) of Lake Wales; son, Jay Pitman (wife, Jan) of Babson Park; and grandchildren, Matt (wife, Dorian), Meagan, Lauren, Anna, Kaley, Seth, Josh and Jonah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. J.D. Pitman; brother, Joe Pitman; sister, Dorothy Baum; twin sister, Eloise Fields; and grandson, Micah Pitman.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Lake Wales Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the First Baptist Church, Youth Camp Scholarship Fund, 338 East Central Avenue, Lake Wales, Florida 33853.

To view the webcast of his service, click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/82904