Irby Windham Pittman

Published 6:06 pm Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Irby Windham “Pitt”Pittman, 77, of Luverne, Ala., passed away, Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at his home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at Luverne United Methodist Church, 88 E 1st Street, Luverne, Alabama 36049.

Pittman was born Dec. 1, 1939 in Crenshaw County to Irby Windham and Allie Gladys Pittman.  He graduated from Luverne High School in 1959 and from Auburn University in 1968.  Later he received his master’s from the University of West Florida.  He married Patricia Howard from Greenville, Ala., who is now a retired elementary school teacher. They were married for 56 years and supported each other through many health challenges.  He was well known in the community as  “Pitt” and famous for calling everyone “Shug.”

Pitt spent over 30 years in education and he loved his students. He enjoyed being an agribusiness teacher who greatly desired motivating students and helping them gain self-confidence.  He took them to many district and state competitions and received an invitation to the National Convention.  The FFA string band became one of the most popular organizations at the school and performed at many local events. Pittman had a great compassion for others and always lent a helping hand when noticing someone in need. He never failed to reach out to those in the community that might need a warm meal, a place to stay, or just a new shirt on their back. 

Pitt was most known for his love of football, coaching, and “winning.”  In 1993, he won a state championship with a group of young men that meant the world to him.  Pitt had a way of understanding student and player weaknesses and strengths well enough to help them build the confidence they needed to succeed in life.  He loved spending time with family and friends.  He loved to talk….he never met a stranger.

Pittman is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Pittman; and three children, Windham Todd (Kim) Pittman, Gregory Carl (Daun) Pittman and Patrice Pittman; 10 grandchildren; Amber (Taylor) Edwards, Jessica (Louis) Lucari, Blake (Jessica) Pittman, Jonathan Todd Pittman, Hayden Pittman, Noel (Derek) Thomley, HeartLee Pittman, PresLee Pittman, Samuel Fleming and Shaelin Fleming; five great grandchildren; Carley Marlene, Kennedi Elizabeth, Louis John Lucari V., Crimson Zade Thomley and Ashton Grace Pittman; three sisters; Catherine (Winston) Perdue, Glenda Pittman, Sue (James) Kelley, and one brother; Bob (Martha) Pittman.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.