M Ross Pittman

Mr. Maurice "Ross" Pittman, beloved husband, father, uncle and friend passed away to be with his savior, Jesus Christ on Monday August 6, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Thursday at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Broadway Town Cemetery.

Ross was born on June 28, 1924 to the late James Ira Pittman and Sallie Anne Kelly Pittman.  He grew up on the family farm in Harnett County.  He moved to Sanford at the age of 20 and began his career at Kammer’s Men’s Store.  He would later become the store’s proprietor. 

In Sanford, Ross met Dorothy Conklin, and they were married on February 4, 1947 at the First Baptist Church of Sanford.  They joined the church soon after their marriage.  Their son, Mark was born on March 6, 1957. 

Ross was well known and respected in the Sanford area.  As the long-time proprietor of Kammer’s Men’s Store, he was the clothier of many of the area’s best-dressed men! 

Ross was a dedicated Christian and served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and choir member at the First Baptist Church of Sanford.

Ross had a thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader.   He loved to read all kinds of books including the Bible, history, historical fiction, mysteries and best-selling novels. 

Ross retired at age 66.  During his early retirement years, he enjoyed working in his vegetable garden, and tending his apple trees and grape vines on the old family farm.  He and Dot loved canning and freezing fresh produce and making jellies and preserves.  They loved sharing their bounty with friends, family and those in need.  They also enjoyed a trip to the beach every summer.

After Dot’s death in December 2005, Ross spent several years alone.  On June 9, 2012, he married Iris Pendergrass, with whom he spent six wonderful years.  Ross and Iris enjoyed working in their yard, preparing good food, and simply being together.  They took care of and nurtured each other. 

Ross is pre-deceased by his parents; his wife, Dot; his three brothers, Leslie, Guy and Jim Pittman; and his sister, Loyce Pittman Johnson.  He is survived by his wife, Iris; his son, Mark; and his special nieces, Miriam Pittman Ring, Martha Pittman Hales, and Janet Pittman Shew; and step son James Kelso Pendergrass Jr, wife Lisa and their sons Blake and Connor. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00pm Wednesday at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home, and Thursday from 1:00 until 2:00pm in the Parlor at First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sanford, 202 Summit Drive, Sanford, NC 27330 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4530 Park Rd #240, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Members of the Barracca Sunday School Class are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers and should be at the Church at 1:30pm Thursday.