Robert Wayne Pittman

1933 - 2024

A man who stood for Righteousness

Devoted Christian, Husband, Brother, and loving friend and caring mentor to many

Wayne Pittman (91) went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2024. Wayne was born May 24, 1933, in Freestone County Texas to Edgar and Berta Pittman joining his 10-year-old brother Lloyd. He was raised on the family farm outside of Kirvin, Texas. Wayne greatly admired his big brother. Llyod became a WWII pilot who after WWII married and settled in Georgia. After Wayne graduated from Fairfield High School in 1950, he moved to Georgia for a short time to live with Lloyd and his wife Ruby where Wayne was encouraged by Lloyd to take some engineering classes at Georgia Tech. This opened Wayne’s eyes to the possibilities that education brings. Wayne moved back to Texas and graduated from Texas A&M in 1955 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.

After serving in the US Army as a First Lieutenant, Wayne moved to the Houston area where he worked for DuPont in Victoria and Mission Manufacturing in Houston. One evening at St. Paul’s Methodist Church’s “Coffee Club” he attracted the attention of a Miss Shirley Ivy of Baton Rouge, when he played a guitar and sang four long verses to a folk song. Shirley like that he was a tall man, 6 foot 3 inches, and that he must be smart to remember all the words to the folk song. They were married in Baton Rouge on February 13, 1960, and were together for 52 years until her death in 2012. Shirley was the love of Wayne’s life, and he deeply missed her.

Wayne graduated from Rice University in 1966 with a MS in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Texaco Research Center for 33 years and retired to form Pittman Engineering where he did extensive travel, which he and Shirley enjoyed, as a consultant and speaker on technical oil and gas production topics. He also served on the City of Sugar Land Planning Commission.

Wayne and Shirley loved God and people. They fully desired children and although never had any naturally they had many who they “adopted”. They were quick to embrace and love others. Their hospitality was enjoyed by many as they opened their home frequently for fellowships, Bible Studies, celebrations, counseling sessions, etc. They were involved as leaders in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for many years in the 1970s. They were charter members of Quail Valley Community Church and later members of Sugar Land Bible Church where Wayne served as an Elder at both places. Wayne was deeply connected to his church family.

Wayne was sharp and articulate to the very end. He had opinions to share, and he wanted to educate, but he always had time to stop and listen about what was happening in the lives of others. He would join in the victory, sorrow, or challenge of those around him, never forgetting to take it all to the Lord in prayer. Wayne wants the Christian message spread. His voice for truth and righteousness will be missed as will his caring empathetic helpful ways.

Special thanks to Berna Lerma, Wayne’s caregiver of 2.5 years and to her family who adopted him as their own. Also, thanks to personal trainer, Pam Lambert, who helped Wayne before and after a broken ankle regain strength and re-learn to walk.

Funeral service will be at Sugar Land Bible Church at 10 am on Wednesday, December 4th with a light lunch following. Gather at the Forest Park West parking lot at 1:45 to be led to the 2:00 graveside.

Wayne requested no flowers and that donations be made to KHCB Christian Radio, 2424 South Blvd., Houston, TX 77098 or Sugar Land Bible Church, 401 Matlage Way, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

Until we meet again.