Sam Pittman, a distinguished community leader, has been named Grand Marshal for this year's Christmas Parade. Pittman's selection recognizes his decades of service to the Winona community and his dedication to local agriculture.
Born in Lodi in 1938, Pittman's roots in the area run deep. After graduating from Winona High School in 1956 and earning his bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University in 1961, he served his country in the U.S. Navy and was in the 1962 Cuban Blockade aboard the USS Thetis Bay.
Following his military service, Pittman built a successful career in agriculture, working first at Farmer's Supply in Greenwood before joining Elanco, where he specialized in cotton herbicide sales. His passion for agriculture extended beyond his professional life, as demonstrated by his leadership in various agricultural organizations. He served as president of both the Mississippi Agricultural Chemical Council and the Mississippi Vegetation Management Association.
Pittman's commitment to community service is equally impressive. He has been an active member and past president of the Winona Rotary Club, where he was honored as Rotarian of the Year in 2008. His service includes 12 years on the Winona Academy School Board, and he continues to serve on the boards of both the Hays Creek Water Association and Farm Bureau, where he advocates for farmers' rights in Congress. His dedication to youth development is evident through his past work as a 4H leader in Montgomery County. Currently serving as president of Winona Christian School's Beneficence Board, Pittman continues to demonstrate his dedication to community improvement.
A devoted family man, Pittman was married to Drucilla Doze until her passing in 2016, and later married Barbara Younger. He is the proud father of three children – Arnie, Harold, and Lise – and grandfather to six. As an active member of Bethlehem Methodist Church, he remains deeply involved with his church family.
He will lead the Winona Beautification Committee's "The Gifts of Christmas" Christmas Parade on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. The parade will proceed down Summit Street, with participants lining up at 6 p.m. The evening's festivities will conclude with a fireworks display near Front Street. We hope to see you there!
