Gary Owen Pittman, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, was reunited with his cherished wife Gloria on April 3, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.

Born on November 9, 1953, in Valdosta, Georgia, to James and Juanita Pittman, Gary grew up in Hamilton County, Florida, where he graduated from Hamilton County High School in 1971. He went on to attend the Orlando School of Computer Programming, working in construction while earning his certification—an endeavor that included helping build Cinderella's Castle at Disney in Orlando. He later received Emergency Services certification from Lake City Community College.

Gary spent over two decades working as an Area Supervisor for Occidental in White Springs, Florida. After his time there, he founded Pittman Enterprises, where he continued his work as a respected Phosphate Industry Consultant. Passionate about exposing the hidden dangers of the chemical industry, Gary authored two books: Phosphate Fluorides Toxic Torts and Relentless, the latter a deeply personal account of his life on the family farms, his years at Occidental, and his work on eye-opening phosphate documentaries. He was featured in several of these documentaries, including The Great Culling, Our Water, and Poison On Tap, and was a tireless advocate for public health education.

Never one to shy away from hard work, Gary was also a retired farmer with a green thumb and an uncanny ability to grow anything.  It is said he could turn even the most stubborn weed into something fruitful. He was known as a fixer of all things, a curious tinkerer, and a family historian with a strong interest in genealogy.

Gary's favorite pastimes included cheering on his Florida Gators, sharing old-time stories with loved ones, and simply being outside, where he found joy in nature and purpose in work. But above all, Gary was a devoted husband, father, and family man. He and Gloria were married for 38 years, together for 40, and shared a love that shaped every part of his life. His family was his heart, and their happiness his deepest fulfillment.

A lifelong member of New Hope Baptist Church in Jasper, the church he was raised in, Gary's faith never wavered. Even through loss, he clung to the promise that goodbye is never the end.

Gary is survived by his sons, James Owen Pittman (Michaela) of Lake City, FL, and Ryan Pittman (Niya) of Gainesville, FL; his daughters, Nicole Gleason (Chris) of Valdosta, GA, Scarlett Clifton (William) of Jasper, Brittany Whiddon (Bobby) of Jennings, and Jennifer Pittman of Jennings; his sisters, Tammy Moffses of Lake Park, GA and Angela Akerman (Mark) of Hoover, AL; his grandchildren, Dylan Blanton, Landen Crews, Riley-Jase Gleason, Nathan Wheeler, Makenna Wheeler, Aubrey Whiddon, Eli Whiddon, and Landyn Clifton; and his great-grandson, Lincoln Blanton. He is also remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by his wisdom and warmth.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Gloria Pittman, his brother Greg Pittman, and his parents, James and Juanita Pittman.

A funeral service to honor Gary's life will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Jasper, FL. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Harry T. Reid Funeral Home in Jasper, FL.

Gary Pittman's life was a testament to love, hard work, and unwavering faith. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, knowledge, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.