Paul Steele Bitting

RALEIGH - Mr. Paul Steele Bitting, aka "Daddy B," of Raleigh and formerly of 1816 Kentucky Ave. in Winston-Salem passed away Monday, June 7, 2004. Born to the late Wade and Josephine Steele Bitting Sr., he was a native of Winston-Salem, where he attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools and graduated from Atkins High School. Mr. Bitting also attended NC A&T State University, where he received his bachelor's degree and conducted further study in New York City's garment district. Mr. Bitting was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country during World War II. Professionally, he was an educator at the Greene County Training School in Snow Hill and retired from the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. His community endeavors included membership in Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Disabled American Veterans, volunteer activity for the Patterson Street YMCA and coaching/mentoring duties to many of our youth who knew him affectionately as "Daddy B." In his leisure, Mr. Bitting became an avid musician who loved music. Fraternally, Brother Bitting was Past Master of Salem Lodge 139, Past Patron of Meridian Chapter 308, a member of King Solomon Consistory 64, and Sethos Temple 170 A.A.E.O.N.M.S. He was predeceased by his wife, Arnease Penn Bitting; and two sons, James Sligh and Tyrone Mitchell. Surviving are a son, Paul F. (Lynn) Bitting of Raleigh; a daughter, Barrie Mitchell of Long Island, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Paul L. Bitting of Raleigh, Sherry Bitting of Brooklyn, N.Y., Andre Sligh of Atlanta, Ga., Tasha Stewart of Greensboro, Tamika Mitchell of New York, Brian Bitting of Atlanta, Ga., Velaris Mitchell of Los Angeles, Calif., and Keisha Baker of Atlanta, Ga.; a sister, Kathleen Bitting Mock of Winston-Salem; and a host of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The funeral service will be conducted at noon Friday, June 11, at Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church, with Pastor William Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to noon Friday at the church. (Hooper)