W. Witter Obituary
A lifelong resident and native of Lakeland, Florida, William Grady Witter went to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026, at the age of 101. Grady was the last surviving child born to C.M. and Ruth Witter.
He attended Socrum Elementary and Kathleen Junior High School, then went on to Kathleen Senior High for his sophomore year, and Lakeland Senior High School for his junior and senior years. Grady proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943–1945 aboard the U.S.S. Maddox. After the war, he returned to the University of Florida and completed his Bachelor of Science degree.
In May 1946, Grady married his beloved wife, Velma Skinner Witter. Together, they had three beautiful children: Ruth Anne, Bill, and Ken. Velma passed away in July 1993. Grady later found love again and married Thera Callahan-Bryant in January 1994. She preceded him in death in February 2016.
Grady loved fishing, going to the beach, square dancing, and gardening. He also enjoyed many years of fellowship and fun playing cards (Hand and Foot) with close friends for over three decades. He owned two orange groves and tended his vegetable gardens every season-giving much of the harvest away. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church. Known for his quiet generosity, Grady helped countless people throughout his life, both physically and financially, never seeking recognition for his acts of kindness.
Grady was preceded in death by his parents, C.M. and Ruth Witter; his brother, C.M. Witter, Jr.; and his sister, Jeanette Keen.
He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Ruth Anne Maloy (Jim); his sons, Bill Witter (Sharon), and Ken Witter; grandsons Kevin Maloy, Steven Witter (Ruth), and Keith Witter (Missy); great-grandchildren Hayley Maloy, Tyler Maloy, Mason Witter, Cody Witter, Wyatt Witter, and Jody Witter; as well as many other family members and friends.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL 33810
Make a Donation
in W. Witter's name
People and places connected with W.
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support W.'s loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor W. Witter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
