Walter Pittman Obituary

Walter Sales Pittman left this earth peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, hard work, and unwavering dedication to others.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Alice Johnson Pittman; granddaughter Jessica Cunningham and her husband, Brad; grandson Matthew Pittman and his wife, Laura; and great-grandchildren Colton Cunningham, Graycen Pittman, and Layton Pittman. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Kalieta and close friend Howard Hinnant, who made sure Walter got to breakfast with the guys when he could no longer drive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Mary Pittman; his son Brian Pittman; daughter-in-law JoAnne Pittman; sister Lois Wells; and brothers Charles Pittman and Otis Pittman.

After graduating high school, Walter proudly joined the United States Army. He later spent 37 years working at AlliedSignal. Even during his off the farm job, he continued farming.

In 1959, Walter and Alice built their home on Beechland Road and started Bellevue Farms, where he and his son Brian raised pigs, corn, wheat, soybeans, and peanuts. After retiring from AlliedSignal, he expanded the farm to include cows and goats. In 2020, after losing his son, he worked alongside his grandchildren – already helping to run the farm – to ensure the family legacy continued.

Walter was a proud member of the Surry Ruritan Club, the American Legion, and Moore’s Swamp Baptist Church. He served on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Pork Council for many years and was honored as Producer of the Year in 1997. He was also President of the Surry Education Foundation. Every July, for 40 years, he played a vital role in organizing the Pork, Peanut, and Pine Festival.

Pop, as he was lovingly known, enjoyed spending his time spoiling the kids and piddling around the house and farm. His truck was never without a stash of snacks, especially his favorite Oatmeal Crème Pies and Raisin Crème Pies. Besides farming and spoiling, he loved collecting toy tractors and took great joy in his collection.

Pop will be remembered for passing down his love of agriculture to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, instilling in them the values of hard work, stewardship, and family.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Shanna Matthews and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care and support in recent months.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 2 PM at Little’s Funeral Home, 1515 South Church Street, Smithfield VA. Burial will follow in the Moore’s Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery, 2300 Runnymede Rd, Elberon, VA 23846.

The family will receive friends in the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Isle of Wight Academy at P.O. Box 105, Isle of Wight, VA 23397.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com