Delta State University mourns the loss of alumnus, Senator Charles Pittman, of Loudon, Tennessee, who passed away on August 27, 2024. He was 76. The University flag will fly at half-staff on Friday, September 6, through sunset on Sunday, September 8, in Senator Pittman’s honor
Senator James Charles Pittman was born in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1948. He lived in the State of Mississippi for 64 years.
In 1970, Senator Pittman graduated from Delta State College with a B.S.E. in Social Science & Government. He was a Dean’s List Scholar, member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and in 2004, he was named Delta State University’s Outstanding Hinds County Alumnus. In 2022, he received Delta State’s prestigious Golden Circle Alumni Medal.
In 1979, at the age of 31, Senator Pittman was immensely proud of being elected to represent Grenada, Yalobusha, and Tallahatchie counties in the Mississippi State Senate. During his long public service career, he received many awards for helping others, with his proudest being The Mississippi State Senate’s Distinguished Service Award for Public Service in 1997, a 2006 Mississippi State Senate Resolution honoring him and his Governor’s Office colleagues for their untiring, devoted, and outstanding service to Mississippi citizens during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In 1989, he founded “Mississippi’s Original Singing Senators” singing and performing professionally at the Mississippi State Capitol Building, Mississippi’s New York and Washington, DC Picnics, the Neshoba County Fair, and on numerous Mississippi/National television and radio media outlets. He also volunteered as “Mississippi’s Official Governor’s Mansion Santa Claus” from 2004 – 2011.
Upon his retirement, Governor Haley Barbour issued an Official Proclamation of December 14, 2011, as “Charles Pittman Day in the State of Mississippi.” After he retired from public service, he moved back to his native Knoxville area, and he became widely known in east Tennessee and nationally in USA Today as the “Grandpa Santa”.
Services honoring and remembering Senator Pittman will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, September 7, at the Church of the Resurrection, 917 Pond Road, Loudon, TN, with Rev. Amy Morehous officiating. An interment will follow in the Loudon County Memorial Gardens in Lenoir City. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00pm on Saturday prior to the service in the Parish Hall of the Church.
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As shown in the remembrances below, Senator Pittman was dedicated to his family, community, and Delta State University.
My first thought on my relationship with Charles Pittman through the Alumni Association was one of loyalty. Whether in the legislature, in public service or in private business, Charles was an avid volunteer for Delta State University. –Mrs. Vicki Fioranelli, Director Emeritus of Alumni Affairs
Charles was 100% a Statesman. He never missed a Delta State University event and worked tirelessly to bring resources to the University.–Mr. Keith Fulcher, Former Executive Director of Delta State Alumni/Foundation
Delta State University mourns the loss of Senator Charles Pittman, a distinguished alumnus and cherished member of our community. His dedication to public service, his love for Mississippi and Delta State, and his unwavering commitment to helping others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.–Dr. Suzette Matthews, Vice President of University Advancement/Executive Director of DSU Foundation
Charles Pittman was a remarkable individual whose presence brought warmth and kindness to everyone around him. His friendliness, strength, and thoughtfulness will leave a lasting impact on all he met. It was a privilege to witness his character, integrity, and grace, and I will never forget the memory of him singing and playing the guitar. His music touched many, and his genuine concern for people will be missed. I loved him and will always be proud to call him cuz.–Russell Stewart, DSU Alumnus, Anguilla, MS
