Robert Wayne Pitman

Bartow - Robert Wayne Pitman, age 83, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017 at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. Born December 26, 1933 in La Peer, NY, Wayne lived in Dunnville, KY and Wauchula, Fl as a child before settling in Bartow in 1962. His wife of 51 years, Elzieleen (Ezzie) Meeks Pitman preceded him in death as did his parents, Lena Ruth and Howard G. Pitman., three brothers, Gerald, Lowell and Ronnie. Wayne was a Korean War Army veteran serving as a paratrooper during his enlistment. He was a longtime road paving foreman for McAsphalt of Lakeland and Sunland Paving of Port Charlotte. He and his crews were the first to pave the Daytona International Speedway in 1959. He retired from the road paving business and opened Shade Tree Auto Sales, just south of Bartow where he sold cars until retiring in 1997. He is survived by two sons: Bobby and wife Gail Pitman, Pat & wife Bridget Pitman, of Bartow, daughter: Teri & husband Ron Bach of Lakeland, three grandchildren: Zach, Andrew & Crystal. four great grandchildren, Christopher. Chrystalynn, Braxton & Bryson. Family will receive friends Monday, July 17, 2017 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com