MW: Thomas Jefferson Pitman, P.G.M., G.S. (1923-2006)

Quietly may thy body sleep in your earthly bed, my Brother. Bright and glorious be thy rising from it. Fragrant be the acacia sprig that there shall flourish. May the earliest buds of spring unfold thy beauties on this , thy body's resting place; and there may the sweetness of the summer's rose linger latest. Though the cold blast of autumn may lay them in the dust, and for a time destroy the loveliness of their existence, yet their fading is not final, and in the spring time they shall surely bloom again. So in the bright morning of resurrection thou shallot spring again into the newness of life. Until then, dear Brother--until then----farewell!

From the  Alexandria, LA  Town Talk

Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Pitman, Jr.

Services for Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Pitman, Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 15, 2006 in the First United Methodist Church, Alexandria with Dr. Henry C. Blount, Jr. officiating. Interment will be in Dry Creek Cemetery, Dry Creek under the direction of John Kramer & Son.

Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Pitman, Jr., age 83, of Alexandria, died Sunday, June 11, 2006 in Rapides Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Pitman retired from G.A.B. and Crawford & Company after a 38 year career. Following retirement, he did additional consulting for Crawford & Company for 5 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria and a member of the Wesley Men's Sunday School Class.

Mr. Pitman was a dedicated, active member of the Masonic Fraternity in Louisiana for almost 60 years. At the time of his death he was serving as Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana, F&AM. In 1994, he served as Grand Master of the Masons of the State of Louisiana. He was active in both the Scottish Rite and York Rite branches of the Masonry and held the highest honorary degree offered by each of those organizations.

In addition to having served as Grand Master of all Masons in Louisiana, he had served as the presiding officer of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons and the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Louisiana.
Locally he was an active member and past presiding officer of Oliver Lodge #84, Keystone Chapter #44, R.A. Masons, Summit Council #12, Cryptic Masons, Trinity Commandery #8, Knights Templar, Mid-State Shrine Club, Post des Rapide High Twelve Club, Beauregard-Anderson Chapter #530, National Sojourners and Heroes of '76.
He was a member and past presiding officer of the Scottish Rite Bodies in Lake Charles.

Thomas Pitman, Jr. is survived by his wife of 57 years, Colleen Pitman; two daughters, Pam Broadwell and husband Robert and Joanna Yates and husband Brian; two grandsons, Robert Thomas Broadwell and Patrick Pitman Broadwell.

Friends are asked to call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday at John Kramer & Son and from 9 a.m. until time of service Thursday at First United Methodist Church.

Pallbearers will be Brian Yates, Robert Broadwell, Thomas Broadwell, Wayne Croxdale, Patrick Broadwell and Leon Boone.

Members of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana will be honorary pallbearers.

Originally published June 13, 2006