Clyde Walter Pittillo
July 7, 1946 ~ March 1, 2010
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Clyde Walter Pittillo, 63, of Lower Christ School Rd. in Fletcher, died Monday, March 1, 2010 at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
A native of Fletcher, he was a son of the late Earl and Susanna Pittillo. He was also preceded in death by one brother, David; one brother-in-law, Ned Ray and one step-daughter, Karen Harris.
He was employed at Ball Brothers for 33 years and served in the US Army in Vietnam. Clyde was a gifted bluegrass musician and touched a lot of lives with his music. He was a member of Fletcher First Baptist Church.
Clyde is survived by his wife of 42 years, Loretta Pittillo; one son, Randy Pittillo; one step-son, Bruce Blankenship; one brother, George Pittillo and his wife, Pauline; three sisters, Martha Jane Pittillo, Juanita Hall and her husband, Brian and Sarah Ray and her husband, Bennie, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 5, 2010 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with the Revs. Terry House and Roland Whitaker officiating. Interment will follow in Bethany United Methodist Church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to ABCCM, 30 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801.
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We were very sorry to hear about Clyde. He has been a good friend for many years. Love and prayers to Loretta and all the family.
Ken and Pat Chandler
Your family is always special to our family and we will miss Clyde however we now rejoice that he is in the house of the LORD.
We Love You All
Dennis, Lisa, Chad & Katie Presley
Even though I was his step son,Clyde Pittillo was one of the finest persons Ive ever known!I never new anybody that did’nt like him,and a whole lot of people loved him.One of the very best teachers ive ever known.He had the unique ability to communicate what he was teaching in a way you could understand,and what made him such a good teacher was that he was patient.I dont think he ever turned anybody away that wanted to play a musical instrument.He was very good at anything he wanted to do.One of the most valuable things I learned from him was do something right the first time and you wont have to do it again!That really helped me become successful in life and help me become a good teacher.He taught me things my own father had no interest in doing.One of them being how to shoot a rifle.When I was qualifying with the M-16 in the Army,I put my first 3 shots in the bulls eye and the drill instructor asked me who taught me to shoot like that and I said my Daddy!I qualified as expert the first round.Iam really going to miss you Clyde!!!I love you forever and I’ll see you in heaven!!Pastor Bruce
Our hearts and prayers are with the Pittillo Family. He will truly be missed by all. May God bless each and every one
We are sorry for your loss but we know he is rejoicing in heaven with his parents and David. God bless you all.
IF WE WERE ALL LIKE CLYDE, THIS WOULD BE A MUCH BETTER AND HAPPIER PLACE TO LIVE
Dear Martha Jane and family, we are so saddened for you at the loss of your dear brother. We know how very close you and your entire family are. We pray God’s blessings for all as you deal with your loss.
CLYDE WAS A GOOD PERSON. HE WAS ALWAYS VERY FRIENDLY AND MADE YOU FEEL VERY WELCOME. HE LOVED PLAYING THAT BANJO AND WAS THE BEST. OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF THEIR GREAT LOSS.
THE CHARLES PRESLEY FAMILY.
Pittillo family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Clyde has always been a special part of our family and even my second dad. We will truely miss him. Love Wendy Bishop Blankenship
Pittillo family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Clyde has always been a special part of our family and even my second dad. We will truely miss him. Love Wendy Bishop Blankenship
Alfalfa’ caused lots of smiles to happen. He was funny and friendly to work with and I’m glad that I got to be around him. He sure was a good guy.
I was very sorry to hear aboutClyde.We grew up together.Love and prayers to the Pittillo family
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Clyde was a great banjo player and just fun to be around. He will definitely be missed.
I have had the privilage of knowing
Clyde for the past 48 years. During
that time He became more like a Brother to me. I loved him and will
miss him very much.
Some of Clyde’s friends who read this may know that he was a very dear friend to my husband Ronnie who was taken too soon on 4/15/09. They first met at work (Ball Incon) and became fast friends when they learned of each other’s love of bluegrass music. Clyde was one of the most down to earth and likeable people I ever met. It may very well be that he and Ronnie are having jam sessions again. May God comfort Loretta, Randy, and all other family and friends as only He can.
To the family of Clyde – May God bless you and be with you. I worked with Clyde for 26 years, and he was a top of the line person to work with. He was always jolly and super outstanding. I worked with a lot of people, and he was one of the best. May God be with him in heaven.
Clyde’s talents are many. One of his greatest traits was that he was always fair. Regardless of whether you were rich or not, whether you were family or not, Clyde treated everyone the same. He wanted family and friends to feel welcome and to leave laughing… and I always did.
He laughed well and he laughed often….and if you were with him, you did the same. He was a good husband, a good father, a good uncle and a great friend.
Loretta & family,
Clyde will be truly missed. What a talent he had with that banjo. I remember many times growing up listening to he and my Dad. What great memories that you have to hold close to your heart forever. May God bless you and help you through this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Gina (Israel)Creegan
Loretta and family,
Our hearts are breaking at this time for the loss of Clyde. He was a wonderful person and friend and one who will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Clyde is now playing the banjo for our Heavenly Father and making great music in heaven. I can see them dancing and singing now to his banjo tunes.
We love you!
Mark and Ricci Fender
Our Lives surely change over the years but the ones we Love and share the good and bad times with will never be forgotten!! I know in my Heart that Mom,Dad,Bud Bradley and lots of others in Heaven are making the most beautiful music our ears could ever hear.Someday when we reach Heavens Gates,they will reach out there arms and welcome us home to be apart no more!!!
We Love You All
Sam Smiths Family
Linda Lou
Clyde Pittillo’s Family
Over 40 years ago, the Lord blessed me with the introduction of the Pittillo family.
Knowing Earl and Sue and all of their children was truly a blessing.
With tear filled eyes and a heavy heart, it is extremely hard to post here my feelings for this wonderful, unique, family especially Clyde, my little buddy and brother in life.
From fishing to hunting to gardening or work, there is going to be a big void in my life from not having Clyde around for his knowledge, wisdom and advice.
The Lord without a doubt is smiling as Clyde is back home with the flock.
Clyde, when you get settled in, please play a little ‘San Antonio Rose’ for me.
Thanks for all the Wonderful Memories.
Jim Harmon
Loretta and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of Clyde. I’ll always remember how you & Clyde came to Hot Springs & played for the family when Drew’s Mother Pearl passed away & how you came to the funeral home to visit when my husband Harold passed. I know how much it meant to all of us & hope you realize all the prayers that are going up for all of you. Clyde will be greatly missed & the world will be a sadder place without his music.
To Clyde Pittillo’s Family,
Clyde and I grew up together and were childhood friends in the Valley Springs School days. And then life’s circumstances would have us take different paths in our adult lives. But I still remember Clyde’s infectious laugh and keen sense of humor. He was even then a ‘go-to’ friend on the playground or in the class room. Most if not all the comments on this guestbook are from loving people who knew Clyde during his adult life. I am sorry to say that I did not, except by always-favorable comments from common friends we shared in the WNC area. I am most delighted to learn that Clyde established a lifetime/eternal friendship with the most important Person he could ever meet, our Lord Jesus Christ. So Clyde, while we’ve missed out on 40+ years of music and laughs together, we have an eternity still ahead when we can get caught up on lost time. Way to go Clyde. You always seemed to get the things right that counted the most.
Still your friend,
Lawton Roberts
Mrs. Loretta and Randy,
Randy was very sorry to hear about Clyde. In just the few years we worked together he was a joy to know. Always picking on that banjo in between poker hands, always at every softball game and always with that thermos full of coffee whether it was 100 degrees or not. At least we know somebody in heaven is patting there foot to some of Clyde’s good ol’ picking. Deeply sorry.
I do not believe I ever met him, but my Mom, Geraldine Thomas, worked at Ball for 32 years, retired back in 1992 I believe. She thought the world of him, and he always made sure she got back and forth to work when the roads were bad, and they got really bad back when Ball Brothers first started. I miss my Mom, who passed away in 1998. But know I will see her again. Peace be with your entire family.
To loretta& Randy
My heart and prayers go out to you.
I believe my time on earth was enriched by knowing and working with Clyde
To Juanita, George and the Clyde Pittillo Family;
I am sorry I did not know Clyde, but from what my son Mark tells me, he must have been a good man.
I am very sorry to hear of his passing. please except my condolences.
Harley.
To the Pittillo family: Growing up next door to you, I witnessed first hand the love that you all had for each other. It was and still is inspiring. Clyde was a fine person and I know that your love was a source of strength for him. Will and I extend our deepest sympathy.
Clyde was a very special person and will be dearly missed. Though we have lost him, Heaven has gained a lot. His banjo picking brought smiles to me. My deepest sympathy to the Pittillo clan. Until we meet again, All my love and prayers.
Clyde was one of the best men I’ve ever met. I enjoyed working with him at St Gobain.We had some great times playing music together.
Loretta and Randy – Cling to the memories Clyde has left you to hold in your hearts forever.
Rod & Betty Lewis
To all the Family –
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Clyde was a wonderful musician and kind person. We had such a great time at the picking and grinnings out at your place.
He will be missed greatly.
With fond memories! May the Lord grant you comfort and peace at this time!
Love, Wayne and Joyce
I never understood how Clyde’s banjo fingers could move like they were on fire, but he never looked close to breaking a sweat. He was a wonderful musician, and a kind person, who surrounded himself with some of the best people I have ever met in my life. My deepest prayers and best wishes to the Pittillo family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donald McClellan & Johnnie
Bruce, Loretta, and Randy:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of need. May you lean on the Lord at all times, for He is there to lift you up..
Love and Prayers,
Midway Family Church
Chunns Cove Road
To the Pittillo family,May God’s comfort and peace be with all of you. My deepest sympathy.
Randy,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your father. If there is anything that we can do to help you through this troubling time, please do not hesitate to let us know. You are in our prayers.
Martha Jane and Juanita
I never really knew or remember Clyde from school, but I want you both to know that I am sorry for your loss and I will be praying for you and all the members of your family.
Love, Roberta
To the entire Pitillo clan:
I was honored to assist in the care Clyde received during his final days at the VA on 3East, even though in the short time I knew him, he was unable to speak or play music and reveal the generous nature you know him to have had. You all gracefully let me into your lives during a vulnerable time, for which I am thankful. I am sorry that Clyde’s earthly presence is no longer. May he live long in your hearts. Take good care.
Our sympathies to Loretta and all Clyde’s family and friends. Not only was Clyde an excellent musician and wonderful man, he was the best neighbor we could hope for. He welcomed us immediately and invited us to the May 2005 shindig at the Sugar Shack before we’d even moved into our new home. Clyde was kind, generous, always cheerful and the world was a better place with him in it. He will be sorely missed.
Our deepest sympathy to all the Pittillo family. May God give you comfort in this time of grief. We love all of you. The Dan Lewis Family
My deepest sympathy to the Pitillo Family. Clyde was a wonderful man and a very gifted musician. It was my honor and privilage to know Clyde. May God give the Family comfort in this difficult time.
Loretta, Martha Jane, Juanita, Sarah and family,
I just wanted you to know how very much I love you and loved Clyde. He was so special to me and my family and we felt we were family. I will dearly miss him. Separation is hard but heaven is our reward. My prayers are with you. I will be over as soon as I return home. I am so sorry I wasn’t able to be at his funeral. My heart was with you though. I love you guys so much. Please let me know if you need anything.
Loretta and family,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Clyde. He was a very delightful man. Always a smile on his face. Memories go back a long time. Those were the good ole’ days. God Bless.
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time of loss.
Carolyn Bishop Brown
Loretta, Randy and Bruce. I don’t have to tell you how much we loved Clyde and all of you. We are going to miss him very much. We will always be there for all of you if you should ever need us. I enjoyed fishing, banjo, and camping with you all. We LOVE you Loretta.
To the entire family Bobby and I send our deepest sympathy. We know that Clyde will be deeply missed by you all. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Loretta and Randy,
I am so very sorry for your loss, Clyde was a wonderful man. He will be missed by this world. Please let Donna and I know what we can do to help.
We love you guys