SFC Harold Ray Chittum, US Army [RET], 86, of Columbia, passed away at home Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Harold was nicknamed, Herb, by his Army buddy, Don Simpson, because he thought Harold sounded like Herb Shriner, the humorist.

Harold was born in Charleston, WV, on November 6, 1928 and was the son of the late Harry and Florence Hilyer Chittum. He was also the stepson of the late Colonel Louis F. Williams, Sr.
Harold is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rowena Huggins Chittum of Columbia, SC; three daughters, Sharon Henry (Joe) of Atlanta, GA, Sandra Chittum of Columbia, SC, Staci Hawkins (Heyward) of Blythewood, SC; four grandchildren, Joshua and Mollie Henry of Atlanta, GA, Blythe (Casey) Hawkins Howe, Keara Hawkins of Blythewood, SC; three sisters, Helen Chittum Chapman (Jack), Charleston, WV, Jane Williams Cole, Joan Williams, Palm Harbor, FL; a brother, Louis F. Williams, Jr., (Jane), Mobile, AL; many nieces, nephews, friends and his much loved dog and constant companion, Tippy.

Harold graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV, class of 1947. He served 23 years in the US Army and retired in 1971. During his army career, Harold had basic training at Fort Bragg, NC and advanced training in St. Louis, MO as a Biomedical Engineering Technician. His assignments included, San Francisco, CA, Oahu, HI, Fort Bragg, NC, Saigon, Vietnam, Buckner, Okinawa and Fort Jackson, SC. Harold's awards included the Good Conduct Medal (7 awards), the National Defense Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and many letters of appreciation and certificates from the various agencies he supported.

After retirement from the US Army he was employed by Fort Jackson for an additional 20 years. While there he received many awards including the Civilian of the Year Award in 1981. After retiring in 1991 with Civil Service, Harold started his own business, H&R Biomedical Repair Service for an additional 20 plus years.

A funeral service for Mr. Chittum will be held 4 o'clock, Saturday, October 31st, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3 o'clock. Interment will be held 1 o'clock, Monday, November 2nd, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank Danie, Louise and Avis with Amedisys Hospice Care for the help they provided Harold in the last week of his life.

Memorials and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com