Bobby L. Pittman

Bobby Lynn Pittman passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 16, 2026. He was born on May 16, 1930, to Wilburn I. Pittman and Edna Marie Turner-Pittman in Brown County, Texas. Bobby attended Bangs High School, graduating in 1947.

In the spring of 1948, Bobby left Texas for the first time, hands on the wheel of a brand new Pontiac, chauffeuring a blind man across the West Coast. It was an experience worthy that was made for TV and became one of the many stories he would later share with family and friends.

Bobby proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years, from 1949 to 1953, including time stationed in Japan during the Korean War following basic training. After returning home, he briefly worked for Braniff for one year. He then continued his military service with the National Guard, stationed at Hensley Field in Grand Prairie, Texas, until the late 1950s, and later at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth until the early 1960s, where he had the privilege of seeing President John F. Kennedy.

On December 23, 1953, Bobby married the love of his life, Betty. In 1954, they moved to Irving, where they welcomed three sons and later raised a bonus daughter. Somewhere along the way, Bobby proudly earned the title of “Granddad.”

Bobby concluded a distinguished 30 year career with the Department of Defense, where his work included artillery systems, ship plumbing, and aircraft components.

Bobby was deeply involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where he was the longest consecutive member and served in every office, most often as chaplain. Bobby and Betty established a monthly tradition of visiting the VA Hospital, bringing entertainment through cards and bingo, and at times transporting fellow veterans to VFW Post 2494 for a bite to eat and camaraderie. The VFW even stocked Schlitz just for him. He was infamous for winning football pots, shuffleboard, and poker, and he proudly maintained a quarter-acre garden there (along with his garden at home) that could feed the masses.

He loved sports of all kinds, from high school games to professional leagues. He collected Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazines and followed wrestling, much to his wife’s disapproval, but to the absolute delight of his grandkids. Bobby gave back to his community by proudly sponsoring local youth sports teams at Irving’s Riverbottom Baseball Park. A core memory for many was watching him cheer on the Cowboys while working crossword puzzles. His bookshelf was filled with dictionaries and encyclopedias, though it soon became clear he carried their knowledge within himself. He had a memory like an elephant. You could always count on him for a part, a fix, or just a good chat. His wisdom and stories will be deeply missed.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 70 years, Betty; four brothers; three sisters; and a granddaughter.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons: Rick Pittman and wife Katherine; Randy Pittman and wife Karolene; and Reggie Pittman and wife Melanie; grandchildren Melissa, Brad, Cody, Jeremy, Jason, Matt, Nick, and Ashley; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends who will miss Bobby dearly.