By Sam Black, Assistant Basharat Editor
Chuck Pittman has become a well-known noble in Yaarab Shrine. For the past several years, Chuck has diligently campaigned for the office of Recorder. He visited every Shrine Club and Unit in the jurisdiction of Yaarab Shrine many times. His perseverance paid off Saturday, January 13, 2007, as he was unanimously elected to serve as Recorder of Yaarab Shrine.
Born and raised in the foothills of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Chuck graduated from Clarkston High School in 1971. He then earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Accounting, from the University of West Georgia at Carrollton. During his freshman year at college, Chuck had a blind date with Gail Lester and ultimately they decided they would marry. They will celebrate their thirty-first anniversary on Valentine’s Day/February 14, which will attest to a successful and happy relationship. They have one son, Kevin, who is also happily married and lives in Newnan, Georgia. He and his wife, Janel, are the happy parents to 6 month old daughter, Emma Kay. Of course, proud grandparents, Chuck and Gail, always have photos they will share with anyone to prove this point.
Chuck has always worked for Fortune 100 Corporations, with the last one being PepsiCo. He took retirement in 1996, while serving as Vice President of retail sales for Florida. Since Chuck’s work ethics are to always stay busy, he decided he would start his own business. He and Gail now operate three companies that are involved in various fields of sales and marketing.
Raised to the degree of Master Mason in Glenwood Hills Lodge #703 in 1985, Chuck became a 4th generation Mason in his family. Also in 1985, Chuck joined the Valley of Atlanta Scottish Rite Masons. He also joined the York Rite Body of Masonry in 1999. In December 1985, Chuck was initiated into the Order of the Mystic Shrine, becoming a third generation Shriner in his family. Charlie Pittman, Chuck’s father, served in Yaarab Shrine for thirty five years as a member and Past President of Yaarab’s Oriental Band.
If you personally know Chuck, you’ll know that he never walks away from any job to be done. Without having to be asked, if he walks into a scenario where a project is going on, he’ll roll his sleeves up, jump in, and do whatever is necessary to complete the job. Chuck has worked for Yaarab Shrine for the past twenty-one years in about every position available. These included: appointed Ambassador (2002 – 2005), Public Relations Chairman (1999), Membership Chairman (1997-1999), Yaarab’s Executive Staff (1999-2002), and positions of the Circus Pre-sales team (1996-2002). During Yaarab’s Hospital Crusade in 2003, Chuck earned the GOLD bar for personally collecting $ 5,000.00
Working toward the Shrine goal of helping children, Chuck has personally sponsored two children in the Shrine Hospitals. He is also involved with mentoring the children, as well as, their families through the process for their care.
Chuck has earned in excess of 103,000 Crown of Honor Points, enabling him to join the elite club of Nobles whose pictures adorn the “Wall of Fame†hall in Yaarab Shrine for reaching the 100,000 level of points. In 2001, Chuck earned the level of Executive Aide for personally collecting at least $ 5,000.00. In 2002, he stepped up to the next level by earning the position of Platinum Executive Aide for personally collecting at least $ 10,000. He is Past President and Emeritus member of the Yaarab Oriental Band, as well as, member of the Yaarab’s Director’s Staff. Chuck has a club affiliation with Alpine Shrine Club which holds it’s meetings in Helen, Georgia.
Once you have met the new Recorder, you’ll find him easy to get along with and actually going out of his way to assist in any way needed. Chuck will always approach you in a relaxing, but get the job done, style. He is very likable, conscientious and hardworking, as noted in his accomplishments in the article above. Chuck is very dedicated to the success of Yaarab Shrine and our goal to help children. As he truly loves Masonry and Shrinedom, Chuck is proud and very eager to begin his service on the Divan!
