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David Witt Obituary
Raleigh
David K. Witt, 72, of Raleigh, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on August 27, 2014 after a sudden, debilitating stroke. He was a committed Christian and beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.
David is preceded in death by his parents, James K and Anna Witt of Nashville, and his sister, Julia Nickle Moore of Huntsville, AL.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia Carroll Witt (Pat), his daughter, Susan Craige and husband, Mark, of Raleigh, two grandsons, John Dakota (Koty) and David Paxton, and his nephew, James David (Jim) Nickle, son of his only sister, as well as many other nephews and nieces.
David was born December 25, 1941 and graduated from Vanderbilt University cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Physics and Music. His career in software development began with GE and continued in upper management positions for 30 plus years with IBM. He excelled in mentoring many in their professional development while also directing a diverse set of programs, such as those related to retail store systems, antiballistic missile systems and the NASA Gemini Space program.
He served as an organist in churches throughout the Southeast, Texas and New Jersey for over 50 years, and was integral in the design of new pipe organs in many of those churches. He served 39 of those years here in the Raleigh area at Hillyer Memorial Disciples of Christ Church, Edenton Street United Methodist Church, and most recently at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. He made recordings of his original hymn arrangements to raise money for the Methodist Home for Children, where he served on their board and as interim President and CEO. He also served as a founding member of the Board of the N. C. Child Advocacy Institute, now NC Child. He served as the Vice-Chair of Trustees with The Institute For Worship Studies, an institute dedicated to Christian worship renewal and education.
David's life is marked by his generosity, his creativity, his encouragement of others and his commitment to excellence in all he did.
Friends may visit with the family at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A service of worship and celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, also at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to the Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605 or online at www.mhfc.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Witt
Ann Turlington
September 19, 2014
When I met David, and Pat, I never thought about the influence they would have on me. Beginning in 2/2011, unbeknowing to them, they showed me the way to many things in living. I found David to be a gentleman, Christian, man of love, and a leader. How many will indeed miss David Witt?
Elizabeth Nance-Coker, DWS student
September 5, 2014
David brought a depth and breadth of Spirited artistry to our worship at The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. His wisdom, skill and friendship will be remembered with thankfulness for the impact he had upon our lives and our areas of ministry.
Lucretia Sperry
September 3, 2014
I met David through MHFC where I dedicated 22 years of my career to their ministry. I normally just saw David at events where his musical talents were enjoyed by all. I will never forget his witt at Christmas parties when he played and sang with us "a partridge in a pear tree" replacing the items for job titles at the agency. Much laughter then. When David became interim ceo, I then worked with him very closely on a daily basis. I learned a lot about David that year and saw his dedication to the ministry he was leading. It was an amazing year working with an amazing person. Great memories. He will be missed.
Brett and Mary Hightower
September 2, 2014
I had the great privilege of knowing David for about 8 years as a health care provider. The office was always a brighter place when he was around. He had such a pure loving energy about him. He also put the wit in Witt, with his mischievious and quick mind. He will be missed by the entire staff at Midtown Chiropractic.
Mary Harrison
August 31, 2014
Pat,
May God grant you and all your family peace and comfort in the loss of one so dear to you.
Sam Johnson
August 31, 2014
I have had the privilege of knowing David for only a short time. But I was always struck by his wit, wisdom and love of music & God. A very humble man. I will miss him very much. My prayers for his family at their great loss.
Dana Boudreau
August 31, 2014
I cannot begin to summarize what David meant to me. He gave me my first management job, and has been an inspiration ever since!
August 31, 2014
When I first returned to Raleigh in 1979 and was organist at White Plains Methodist Church in Cary, I met David. In the years since, I came to appreciate his great musicianship and his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by so many people.
Margaret Anne Smith
Laura Jones
August 31, 2014
May Christ's loving arms surround and lift my dear friend Pat and DAvid's family up at this sad time.
Laura Jones
August 31, 2014
Prayers and loving thoughts go out to my dear friend Pat and David's family at this sad time.
Holly Yoest
August 31, 2014
Sending you love and prayers. He will be so missed by many people! Asking The Lord to comfort you and give you His peace.
Lyn & Phil Triplett
August 30, 2014
David was intelligent, kind, generous of spirit and had an amazing sense of humor. There are several "Dave-isms" that still float round our house to this day. Blessings of healing for broken hearts to all of his family.
Sharon and Norm Miller
August 30, 2014
Prayers for such a loss to his family. Thoughts and may they find peace.
Tom and Debbie Newman
August 29, 2014
David played the organ at our wedding in 1983 at Edenton Street Methodist. I think my part as the bride became secondary to the awe and appreciation everyone had for David's tremendous performance. He always had a kind word and will be dearly missed.
Kim McCauley
August 29, 2014
We are sending you our love and prayers. David was one of a kind. Whenever Jeff would come home from a special rehearsal with just himself and David, I would always hear about how amazingly talented he was and how Jeff just LOVED singing with him. Wow, 46 years together. Pat, David was so blessed to share life with you. I can't picture your face without a huge smile on it. His absence is being felt even in Florida. Stay close to Him. He will get you all through this.
Rex Stark
August 29, 2014
My love and prayers go to the Family!
David will be truly missed!
Julie Gibson
August 29, 2014
My heart is broken for the loss of such a sweet spirit here on earth. My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies to all those who loved David.
Erin Conner
August 29, 2014
I only had the pleasure of meeting David very briefly once or twice, but I know Pat well. I have to say it sounds like David certainly left his mark on this world and I know that he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. My heart aches for you all. Pat, I am sending you all my love.
Anne Adams
August 29, 2014
Worship services at Hayes Barton will never be the same again without David's beautiful music. He will be missed by all.
Theresa Ferguson
August 29, 2014
I can tell you how sorry I am. I know Susan loved her dad so very much and he will be miss. He will always be watching over all of you.
Bonnie Abrams
August 29, 2014
Words cannot express my sorrow at hearing of your loss. David was truly a special man who touched many lives and made them better. Those of us who have his CD can continue to hear his beautiful music. Sending you love and prayers.
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