REV. TED J. WITCHEN

WITCHEN, REV. TED J. - age 79, of Knoxville, formerly of Memphis, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. He served in the ministry for over 60 years. He was born in Pascagoula, MS, on January 1, 1934. He was licensed to preach in 1950, at the age of 16, and was ordained to preach at the age of 18. He attended Mississippi College and New Orleans Theological Seminary. He retired from the ministry in June 2012 and was a member of First Baptist Church Concord, in Farragut. He loved family gatherings, going to the mountains, writing poems, telling jokes, and watching Lady Vols basketball. He also loved boiled peanuts and Panchos cheese dip. His gift was ministering to and serving others. Ted was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; and five sisters, all originally of Pascagoula, MS. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gay Witchen of Knoxville; his three daughters, Pam Zachary of Knoxville, Patricia Witchen of Knoxville, and Paula Witchen of Memphis; a son-in-law, Richard Zachary of Knoxville; three grandchildren, Jason Zachary, Justin Zachary and Jordan Kuban, all of Knoxville; and four great grandchildren, all of Knoxville. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, February 9, 2013. A celebration service will be held on Sunday, February 10, at 4:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Concord Chapel, 11704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to The Sertoma Center of Knoxville, in honor of his special needs daughter, Patricia Witchen. The address is 1400 E. 5th Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Memorials also can be sent to http://www.sertoma.com/. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 10, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church Concord in Farragut. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com.