Colonel William Wayne Witt
Colonel William Wayne Witt, Ret. Col. United States Army, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011.
He was born on July 25, 1940, to LeRoy and Mildred Witt of Bonners Ferry. He is survived by his brother and seven sisters, having been preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Colonel Witt began his military career upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy,West Point, in 1963 when he joined the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Ky.
Throughout his military career he also graduated from the Vietnamese Language School, Naval Post Graduate School, Command and General Staff College and finally the Army War College.
His proud military service included TRADOC Headquarters at Fort Monroe, Va., and the Old Guard (President’s own), 1975 to 1977.
An Army Airborne Ranger Infantry officer, he completed two tours of duty in Vietnam; first as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army Brigade and second with the 1st Cavalry Division.
In Korea he was the Battalion Commander of the 9th Infantry Division in the DMZ. After his Vietnam service he was a Military Science Professor at the University of Washington.
Col. Witt was a heavily decorated soldier having earned, among others, the Soldier's Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with silver star.
After retiring from the Army, Colonel Witt worked with Ford Aerospace, Loral and Valcom in Roanoke, Va., where he permanently settled with his wife, Elizabeth.
In 1997 he retired from his civilian career and turned his full attention to his family, friends and enjoyment of nature. As an avid outdoorsman, bow hunter, gardener and woodworker, he became an industrious steward of the land.
As a Christian, he loved and was devoted to his family and country and above all he knew the whole earth exclaimed the glory of God.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Schweitzer Witt; and three sons, their wives and five grandchildren, Bill Jr. and Marlana Witt (Caroline), of La Jolla, Calif., Jim and Marili Witt (Claire and Jimmy), of Raleigh, N.C., and Tom and Mistie Witt (Tommy and Ollie), of Hagerstown, Mary.
Funeral services with Full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.
Arrangements by Rader Funeral Home of Daleville, Va., 540-992-1212.