William "Eric" DeWitt Jr.

Eric DeWitt, 58, lost his fight with glioblastoma September 11, 2021, passing peacefully at home in Mascotte, FL. Eric was born in Charleston, SC to 2nd Lt. William Eric DeWitt, Sr. and Caroline DeWitt (nee Johnson, deceased 1967). He is survived by his wife, Tammy DeWitt (nee Lemen); his daughters Madison DeWitt and Kaleigh DiPerna (Dan); stepson Zachary Moss and stepdaughter Katie Moss; his parents, Colonel William Eric DeWitt, Sr. (USAF retired) and Mary Belle DeWitt; his brother Darren DeWitt (Becky) and his sister Kay DeWitt. Eric graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 1981 in Dover, DE, then moved to Orlando, FL.

Eric was not a fan of needles, but he endured thousands of them over the 3 ½ years since his diagnosis so he could be with his family long as possible. Because of his bravery, he was able to proudly attend his daughter Madison's high school graduation, to walk his daughter Kaleigh down the aisle at her wedding and to hold his first grandchild, Danica.

Eric worked for Delta Airlines for 20 years and then in the construction division at GOAA for another 10 years. Between those two lengthy careers, he and Byron Salisbury had a maintenance and repair company.

Although Eric's life was cut short, he was blessed with a full life and many friends. He enjoyed fishing and golfing, even playing in some Pro-Am games. Eric was a skilled carpenter and such a generous and caring friend that he would go to anyone's home to repair whatever was broken. He could design a construction project in his head and calculate the materials needed without picking up a pen. Eric also loved to cook, whether it was in the kitchen, on the grill or using the smoker. He loved to organize big breakfast or lunch events, not just because of his love for cooking, but because he loved his coworkers as if they were family. Whether it was cooking or construction, he enjoyed it all because he had a calling to be a service to others and these activities fulfilled him.

Eric never met a stranger and he especially loved doing things with his friends. He had made on-line friends through games he played on PlayStation that, despite never having met, would continue texting him encouragement since his diagnosis and sending condolences since he passed.

Eric had a celebration of life in July because he wanted his friends to shake his hand, give him a hug, see his smile, laugh and recall the good times over the past years. He was so happy at that event that he smiled so much his that his face hurt. His wish was that everyone remembers the laughter, the weekend golfing, the fishing trips, the fun nights drinking beer and cheering football games. Eric loved classic rock music and had an impressive and expansive knowledge of multitudes of artists. One of Eric's favorite songs was Dream On by Aerosmith. He said, "When you hear this song, remember me, but keep living. Don't cry. Remember the good times, watch the sunset, have a drink, relax and smile."

Memorial Services to be held at 3pm October 9th at Pine Castle United Methodist Church, 731 Fairlane Ave., Orlando, FL. We urge everyone to socially distance, wear a mask and be vaccinated against Covid-19. Masks will be required to attend the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cancer research organization of your choice.

Eric was grateful for the many, many friends that helped him and his family, whether it was financially, physically or spiritually, because it was all appreciated. We owe special thanks to Bud & Diane Simpson for help painting our house and finishing a multitude of other projects when Eric lost the use of his left side; to Pearle, who called weekly just to say she was thinking of him and keeping him in her prayers; to Greg Krabill, who phoned every night; to his stepson Zack who stayed home with Eric to be his full-time caregiver since his diagnosis; and to his sister Kay who always came to our aid when we needed help. Tammy DeWitt