William Douglas Pittard, “Doug”, age 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, counselor, veteran, teacher, and friend, Doug lived a life marked by service, a respect for education, and a commitment to hard work.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Cleo Wilkinson Pittard; his son, Robert Douglas Pittard of Wake Forest and his wife, Lisa Patterson Pittard; and his daughter, Elizabeth Pittard Doerfler of Creedmoor and her husband, Alex Doerfler. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jordan Pittard and his wife, Vivian; Taylor Pittard; and Johanna Doerfler. He is also survived by his sister, Lucinda Burnette; his brother, Lee Roy Pittard II; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Lee Roy and Madeline Mulchi Pittard of Butner, NC, his sister, Pat Latta, and his twin grandsons, Troy and Samuel Pittard.

His family was the center of his life, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Doug was born on June 16, 1947, in Granville County. He graduated from South Granville High School in 1965, went to East Carolina University, graduating with a degree in Business Administration, and then Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a Master’s Degree in Counseling.

Doug dedicated the early part of his professional career to helping others through his work with Vocational Rehabilitation, where he guided and encouraged disabled individuals as they pursued meaningful and productive lives. He also taught psychology and business classes at Vance-Granville Community College in the evenings.

From soon after high school, Doug proudly served his country in the NC Army National Guard, demonstrating the spirit of service that would continue throughout his life. He served for 41 years for the National Guard and the Department of Defense. In the later part of his career, he served as the Traffic Manager for the United States Property and Fiscal Office for NC, bringing dedication and leadership to every role he held. He chaired the Eagle Commission, writing and implementing the professional standards for the Traffic Managers across the nation. Throughout his career, he received numerous commendations and awards due to his work in the NC National Guard.

In recognition of his contributions to the people and communities of North Carolina, in 2008, Doug was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the state's highest civilian honors.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, he was dedicated to his community. He served as the chair of the Granville County Library Board of Directors, worked for the community elections, and was a Boy Scout and Scout Troop Leader. Doug was an avid reader who could always be found with a good book nearby, especially on his Nook. He enjoyed landscaping and yardwork, taking pride in his home. He loved spending time on the water, boating and water-skiing. He loved dogs, and could date any event by which car he was driving or which birddog he had. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Creedmoor, NC, and found there a loving and supportive church family that reflected his faith.

Those who knew Doug will remember his willingness to help others, dedication to his work and his country, and his unwavering love for his family.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, on Sunday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment with Military Honors will be made at South Granville Memorial Gardens immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pleasant Grove Men’s Brotherhood Ministry, in recognition of the support they provided and to enable them to continue that support to others in need.