Bishop William Pittman

T h e E a r l y Y e a r s

Born on Oct 9, 1935 in the red clay hills of Commence, Georgia, William the third son of Narcissus Pittman went from adolescence to manhood at the tender age of 12. Leaving behind his brothers Arthur and James to take care of Momma, William set out on his big excursion towards life’s journey. William was a tall, strong individual with a broad-shouldered athletic build. He had an inward self-assurance to take on the world, for William was northern bound. In Hartford, Connecticut he found his first place of employment on a shipyard dock.

Even though William worked afternoons on the docks, he did not neglect his thirst for knowledge, and he enrolled in the Hartford school system where he finished his academic studies. In 1954, William decided to serve his country and enlisted into the United States of America Army. There he participated in numerous auxiliaries such as: boxing, football, and became Special Police agent, in addition he received the rank of a Sergeant. After his tour in Korean, Germany, and other parts of Europe, he returned to the States seeking to reunite with family members in Akron, Ohio, Uncle Oliver Douglas (O. D.) and Myron Pittman.

William became a student at the McKim Technical Institute, in Akron, Ohio. There he polished his skill by becoming a welder technician. Throughout the years he wore many hats as an wage earner. He was employed by Robinson Clay, worked at Akron Motor Inn, served in hotel management at the Sheraton Hotels and worked as a welder at the Chrysler auto Corporation until his retirement in 1974.

In the era of William’s youth life, friends knew him as “Big Bill.” While dining one evening he spotted a woman in tan cashmere two-piece ensemble with freshly styled press n’ curled hair. She refused to give him her telephone number. As a determined young man and discerning good wife material when he saw it he persisted; for the Bible says, “He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtains favor with LORD” and well . . . the rest became history. Together William and Wavalene built a godly legacy as one flesh. They were soul mates. Mother and Bishop Pitman celebrated 48 years of matrimony before her departure in 2006; together they provide a godly, caring, and loving home for their daughters: Winifred Janette Pittman, Linda Sue Taylor and Wavalyn Ginger Ferguson. One of their greatest joys in life was sharing time with his family. Bishop Pittman was devoted husband and family man, he enjoyed vacationing in exciting places, late night popcorn and pizza on Friday evenings; the Pittman clan were a tight knit group.

F o r I K n o w t h e P l a n

After Brother, Pittman received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1957 and he began a tutelage in ministry under the late, Elder J. A. Lockhart at the Apostolic Church of Christ, in Akron, Ohio. There he moved up through the ranks as a brother, deacon, and superintendent of Sunday School. He received a call to ministry in 1960 and became an ordained Elder in 1968. He was ordained as Bishop in 1977, by the United Apostolic Theological Bible College, in McDermott, Ohio, there he received the distinguished award of honorary Doctorate of the Divinity.

Under Bishop Pittman’s leadership, the Friendship Apostolic Church united in fellowship with the Bible Way Churches Worldwide established in Washington D.C. in July of 1980, under the fathering founder Apostle Smallwood E. Williams the Apostle and Chief leader. In 1983, Bishop became District Elder over the Northeast Ohio District, later he was promoted to serve as the bishop over the Northeastern Ohio. Bishop actively served Bible Way organization on the General Board of Bishops, Biblical instructor, and staff member on the National Christian Education Committee. 

Bishop Pittman is known throughout the Bible Way organization for his seminar teaching and Scriptural instruction. He has served as the Dean of the Ohio School of Theology hosting off-campus classes at the Friendship Apostolic Church (FAC) with senior overseer Dr. Isaiah Aycox. His dedication and commitment to pastoring caused Bishop to reach beyond the outskirts of Akron and he along with Mother Lillian Wimbush founded the Bible Way Community Church in Cleveland, Ohio in 1984 now pastored by Elder Roger (deceased) and Lady Ethelyn Gavin.

W o r k i n g O u t t h e V i s i o n

In 2016, the city of Akron, Ohio, recognizes Bishop Pittman as an outstanding humanitarian, receiving the Highpoint Award in appreciation for outstanding services by the Summit County Department of Human Services for civic amenities. Bishop’s compassion for struggling families caused him to answer the call of: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36. His vision included operating a well-stocked “Food Pantry”, serving meals afterschool to hungry children and serving as clergy to incarcerated individuals. He loved people and with love, he served. For Jesus loves you and so do I!

S p e a k i n g A b o u t R e a l M e n

Bishop Pittman never met a stranger! This caring, gentle giant and pastoral spirit followed him throughout his life. Bishop Pittman was a noble, kindhearted man, who possessed tremendous character, and strength. He supplied a wholesome role model to countless men, women and families as to what the true measure of a man resembles. A real man provide, are protectors, practices god-like virtues and are tangibly present within the home. Real pray, real men are lawful, real men are thoughtful and real man even cry! Real men are faithful even through tough times, and they step up during a crisis. Real men keep their word. Thank you, Bishop, for being that kind of man!

W e W i l l S e e H i m A g a i n

Bishop William Pittman went to eternal rest in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, May 23, 2025, at his place of residence. Bishop Pittman leaves to cherish his memory: three daughters; Winifred J Pittman (Atlanta); Linda S Talyor (Cared for our dear Father’s for almost a decade and we thank you! To God be the glory) W. Ginger Fergeson both of Akron, OH, four grandchildren Aiesha, Christian, Erinn and Danielle; fifteen great grandchildren Kristen, Isiah, Deon, Adrianna, Jaliah, De’Anthony, Nakyiah, Indigo, Zion, LaMya, Kylan, Desaraye, Christian Jr, Desmond Jr, Zuri and one great great grandchild Kaydence. And brother Arthur Pittman Jr. (Gainesville GA) and sister Ruth A. Rice (Decatur GA). Bishop Pittman was preceded in death by his loving wife Mother Wavalene T. Pittman, his brother James Hopkins Sr. of (Brooklyn NY). The remaining members of Friendship Apostolic Church, a host of family members, friends and fellow worshipers.