About Us

Donald J. Pittman originally from Marianna, Florida, moved to Graceville, Florida along with his family fifty years ago and established a funeral home. The funeral home was called Pittman Funeral Home. He eventually changed the name to Christian Memorial Chapel.

Since the funeral home has been in operations, it has gone through three renovations, one as a result of in fire in 1999 that destroyed over seventy-five percent of the building. Today, the spacious chapel seats over two hundred people with piped in music to accommodate the many families served each year.

During the existence of Christian Memorial, Donald’s only son Rodney, who was also a Licensed Funeral Director, went home to be with the Lord at the tender age of twenty-four while serving in the United States Air Force (August 2, 1986). On May 20, 2003, his spouse of forty-two years, M. Sue Pittman, entered into eternal rest. Helping families over the years has been a source of strength for Donald during these trying times.

Christian Memorial has a staff of sixteen people, including four licensed funeral directors, one nurse, eight female attendants, three male attendants and a musician. With the dedicated support of his staff and community, during the past fifty years, Donald has very seldom miss a funeral and makes ninety percent of all removals.

In addition to the funeral business, Donald retiredfrom the Department of Juvenile Justice of Florida in June 2000 after thirty-four years. He is a Deacon at New Easter Missionary Baptist Church in Graceville and Chairman of the Board; head chef for the Breakfast Club and a member of the New Golden Key Club in Marianna.

Donald enjoys helping those that can’t help themselves. He often tells people “to use him, but don’t abuse him”. His motto is: “It’s not how much I get for what I give, but what I give for so little I get.”