Bertie Edwin Pittman
August 19, 1951 — October 22, 2017
Bertie Edwin Pittman, Sr., 66, lost his brief battle with cancer on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at his home in Stacy.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 4 pm Wednesday at Munden Funeral Home Chapel with beloved nephew Allen Stabley officiating. The family will receive friends during the hour before the service.
Bertie attended Atlantic School, East Carteret High School, Carteret Technical College, and East Carolina University. He was an avid lifelong learner with interests in history, anthropology, science, art, and countless other areas.
He retired as Chief Warrant Officer from the US Coast Guard in 1992, having rated up over the course of a distinguished and colorful career. Bertie was the Commanding Officer at USCG Stations Coinjock and Hatteras, and was Plankowner Commanding Officer of USCG Station Jones Beach, having overseen construction and transition from the old Station Short Beach. Earlier in his career, his responsibilities included aids to navigation, law enforcement, safety instruction, and search and rescue, as well as overseeing security for the King of Denmark and aiding in security for the Queen of England while they were in the waters off Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympics.
Bertie was a prize-winning decoy and shorebird carver, a certified expert in knots, and a lifelong commercial fisherman. His family has been especially proud of his 38-year sobriety and generous devotion to friends and family. In retirement, he made thousands of dollhouse miniature wood turnings, and was a member of the American Association of Woodturners and achieved Artisan status in the International Guild of Miniature Artisans. Bertie’s carvings, knotwork, and miniature turnings can be found proudly displayed in collections worldwide.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Marian Pittman, of the home; daughters Sandra Maria Pittman, Anchorage, AK and Arlene Pittman Pfafli of Switzerland; son Bertie E. Pittman, Jr. of Anchorage, AK; stepdaughter Sarah Dennison of Bountiful, UT; stepson Jim Dennison of Charlottesville, VA; grandchildren Xylon Pittman, Jacob Pittman, and Tina Pfafli; and former wife of over 20 years Tina I. Pittman. He will be missed by cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norvey and Annie Lewis Pittman, sisters Julia Ann Stabley and Nora Jennings, and infant brother Nelson Dennis Pittman.
Online condolences may be offered at www.munderfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.