TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE DEATH OF HAROLD PITTMAN OF JASPER COUNTY AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Harold Pittman of Jasper County on May 25, 2012, at the venerable age of eighty-four; and

Whereas, according to his parents, Elmer C. and Elise S. Pittman, young Harold was born at home on May 10, 1928. The government, however, claimed he was born May 19, 1928, so Harold celebrated two birthdays every year; and

Whereas, he graduated from Kenly High School in North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for two years. A man with a deep love for his country, Harold served honorably in the U.S. Army in Korea, and as a gifted athlete he was offered a major-league baseball contract; and

Whereas, with his business partner, Harold Pittman co-founded Fitton and Pittman Contracting in Columbia. During his years as president, he conducted a very successful telephone contracting business throughout the Southeast region of the United States and ventured into South America. During this time, he earned his pilot's license; and

Whereas, known as a mechanically minded man, Harold received two patents for his inventions. He also was a strong Christian and passed his faith to many others through his actions. A lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, he supported the right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms; and

Whereas, Harold Pittman was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and waterskiing, the latter sport in which he participated until he was seventy. He was a champion ballroom dancer and relished traveling once his family was able to get him away from his beloved Live Oak farm; and

Whereas, in 1993, Harold wed the former Helen M. Dills, God blessing the union with three children: son Harold Cery Brooks Pittman, guardian son Daniell Joseph Smith, and daughter Sandy Lee Estes. Harold and Helen were also granted the pleasure of a grandson, David Emmanuel Cadieu. The couple took joy in bringing abandoned and abused children into their home and treating them like family; and

Whereas, Harold Pittman leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife, Helen; his three children and grandson; and a host of other relatives and friends. Harold was devoted to the Ridgeland community, his family, and his friends and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the death of Harold Pittman of Jasper County and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to Mrs. Helen Pittman for the family.