By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Sunday February 7 Redding Pitt, the current Vice Chair and former Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, died.
Current Alabama Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Worley said in a statement, “Redding was an excellent Party Chairman and Vice Chairman, a scholar of history and politics, and a strong supporter of the Democratic Party’s core principles.” “The State Democratic Executive Committee, its officers, as well as Democrats throughout Alabama, offer condolences to his son and extended family. We will never forget his numerous contributions to the Party and to the people of our state.”
Redding Pitt has been the Vice Chair since 2013. He was Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party from 2001 to 2005. Redding Pitt served as an attorney with the firm of Farris, Riley and Pitt in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2001 until his death. The firm wrote in a statement:
“Redding was a loyal friend and law partner. He was loved and respected by everyone at our Firm and will be deeply missed. Redding was an extraordinary person and statesman. The effects of his loss are far reaching and extend beyond the borders of the State of Alabama. We are very thankful to all of those who have extended their condolences and prayers during this time. His family is aware and very grateful for the outpour of support for their loss.”
A native of the Tennessee Valley, Charles Redding Pitt was born in Decatur in 1944. In 1994 he was appointed by President Bill Clinton (D) to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama, a post he held until.
Pitt graduated from the University of Alabama and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. He was active in campaign of Robert F. Kennedy in the 1968 presidential election. Kennedy was assassinated on the day that he won the California Primary.
Pitt served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1972, where he attained the rank of captain and earned a Bronze Star. Later he served in the Office of the Chief of Staff for Intelligence in Washington, D.C.
Pitt received his Law degree from Boston College Law School in 1977. Pitt was Alabama’s Assistant Attorney General from 1981 to 1991 and Chief Deputy Attorney General from 1991 to 1994. He has served as a legal advisor to several Alabama state government officials.
Pitt defended former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman (D) during Siegelman’s federal trial in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama on charges of bribery, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice. He served in a number of campaigns for Democratic candidates, including John Kerry in 2004. At the time of his death he represented Alabama on the Democratic National Committee.
Pitt is survived by his son, William Rivers Pitt.
He was 71.
