Alvin "Gene" Eugene Pittman

SSgt. Alvin Eugene “Gene” Pittman, 77, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2021 from COVID-19 pneumonia. At least, that is the official report. He would argue that it was due to Biden becoming President.

As a “Magnificent Bastard” (2nd Battalion, 4th Marines “Second to None”) and Deputy Sheriff, Gene loved sharing his opinion along with so many stories from his time in Vietnam and cleaning up the streets (and later in his career - the middle schools) of Texas.

Gene was born in Rogers, Arkansas on July 23, 1943 to Norman Jackson Pittman and Maxine Elizabeth Pritchard. At the age of 6 he was diagnosed with Rheumatic fever and told he must observe strict bed rest for weeks to ensure he didn’t damage his heart. He waited until his parents left his room and then did laps around his bed because “he was NOT going to be an invalid!” In high school he secretly joined the cross-country team to prove his heart would not burst, despite what his mother believed. Once done, he had a Marine recruiter bully his parents for a month to get permission for him to enlist early.

Gene is survived by his two daughters, Lynnette Carter and D’Anne Boswell, his siblings, Ed, Jerry and Carlotta, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and his beloved dog Tiny, which he insisted on bringing everywhere. All of whom miss him terribly and can’t believe this larger-than-life man is really gone.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Momentum Life Church, Springerville, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow the funeral services at the Eagar Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider supporting some of Gene’s favorites: Wounded Warrior Project, National League of POWMIA Families, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Living Hope Centers.