OBITUARY: WITH PHOTO ANDERSON, SC Willie M. Witt September 7, 1921 - May 18, 2013 Anderson mourns the loss of one of its true mainstays upon the passing of Willie Morris Witt, born on September 7, 1921, who died at 91, on May 18, 2013. Many will remember him as the friendly and good natured face of Modern Dry Cleaners, which he owned and operated for over 50 years. Willie's father, L. R. Witt, and mother, Mary Morris Witt moved the family to Anderson from their farm in Saluda, SC in 1928 to go into the dry cleaning business. He served his country as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army's Pacific theater during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1945. Willie met Rachael Owen in 1948, and they were married on Sept.2, 1949, beginning their 63 years of marital bliss. They enjoyed an active life together. Willie was ever optimistic and appreciated a good joke at every turn. He maintained a formidable garden-partly because he loved the outdoors, partly because he loved to eat fresh vegetables. He never faced a technical difficulty that could not be resolved in his much loved basement workshop. His handcrafted furniture will forever adorn the homes of many family members. Remaining active after retirement, many of their fondest memories included their travels with the Pacesetters square dancing group. Willie was a devoted member of the John McLees Sunday School class at New Prospect Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. He was also a member of the American Legion and Chiquola Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Their proudest achievement together was raising their large family. Along with Rachael, he is survived by Bill Witt of Knoxville, Susan Lawson of Covington Ga; Michael Witt, Mary Lou Seel, Becky Campbell and his younger sister, LaRue Albaugh (all of Anderson), twelve grandchildren, Bill Lawson, Matt Lawson, and Adam Lawson of Covington, Ga., Justin Witt of Columbia SC, Kristin Witt of Memphis TN, Melanie Coetsee of Irmo SC, Julie Shankle of Hendersonville TN and Amy Manly of Anderson, Austin Campbell of Somerville MA, Holly Campbell of Anderson(sometimes), William Witt Jr, and Anna Witt of Knoxville TN, as well as nine great-grandchildren. He has left us to join his parents, along with four sisters, Edna Wells, Vera Hilton, Myrtle Rainey, and Sara Rainey. All wish to express their heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and care showered upon Willie by the staffs at Morningside and NHC, along with his devoted caregivers for the past year, Eva Keese and Chestine Humphrey. The family will be at the home of Michael Witt, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Monday, May 20, from 6 PM to 8 PM. A Celebration of Willie's life will be held at The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 2:30 PM with Dr. Tony Smith, Rev. Tom Turner, and Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Willie's name to the Building Fund at New Prospect Baptist, 2503 Whitehall Road, Anderson, SC 29625, or Meals on Wheels, PO Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Anderson. OBITUARY: WITH PHOTO ANDERSON, SC Willie M. Witt September 7, 1921 - May 18, 2013 Anderson mourns the loss of one of its true mainstays upon the passing of Willie Morris Witt, born on September 7, 1921, who died at 91, on May 18, 2013. Many will remember him as the friendly and good natured face of Modern Dry Cleaners, which he owned and operated for over 50 years. Willie's father, L. R. Witt, and mother, Mary Morris Witt moved the family to Anderson from their farm in Saluda, SC in 1928 to go into the dry cleaning business. He served his country as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army's Pacific theater during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1945. Willie met Rachael Owen in 1948, and they were married on Sept.2, 1949, beginning their 63 years of marital bliss. They enjoyed an active life together. Willie was ever optimistic and appreciated a good joke at every turn. He maintained a formidable garden-partly because he loved the outdoors, partly because he loved to eat fresh vegetables. He never faced a technical difficulty that could not be resolved in his much loved basement workshop. His handcrafted furniture will forever adorn the homes of many family members. Remaining active after retirement, many of their fondest memories included their travels with the Pacesetters square dancing group. Willie was a devoted member of the John McLees Sunday School class at New Prospect Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. He was also a member of the American Legion and Chiquola Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Their proudest achievement together was raising their large family. Along with Rachael, he is survived by Bill Witt of Knoxville, Susan Lawson of Covington Ga; Michael Witt, Mary Lou Seel, Becky Campbell and his younger sister, LaRue Albaugh (all of Anderson), twelve grandchildren, Bill Lawson, Matt Lawson, and Adam Lawson of Covington, Ga., Justin Witt of Columbia SC, Kristin Witt of Memphis TN, Melanie Coetsee of Irmo SC, Julie Shankle of Hendersonville TN and Amy Manly of Anderson, Austin Campbell of Somerville MA, Holly Campbell of Anderson(sometimes), William Witt Jr, and Anna Witt of Knoxville TN, as well as nine great-grandchildren. He has left us to join his parents, along with four sisters, Edna Wells, Vera Hilton, Myrtle Rainey, and Sara Rainey. All wish to express their heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and care showered upon Willie by the staffs at Morningside and NHC, along with his devoted caregivers for the past year, Eva Keese and Chestine Humphrey. The family will be at the home of Michael Witt, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Monday, May 20, from 6 PM to 8 PM. A Celebration of Willie's life will be held at The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 2:30 PM with Dr. Tony Smith, Rev. Tom Turner, and Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Willie's name to the Building Fund at New Prospect Baptist, 2503 Whitehall Road, Anderson, SC 29625, or Meals on Wheels, PO Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Anderson. The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, South Carolina 29621 864-224-4343 OBITUARY: WITH PHOTO ANDERSON, SC Willie M. Witt September 7, 1921 - May 18, 2013 Anderson mourns the loss of one of its true mainstays upon the passing of Willie Morris Witt, born on September 7, 1921, who died at 91, on May 18, 2013. Many will remember him as the friendly and good natured face of Modern Dry Cleaners, which he owned and operated for over 50 years. Willie's father, L. R. Witt, and mother, Mary Morris Witt moved the family to Anderson from their farm in Saluda, SC in 1928 to go into the dry cleaning business. He served his country as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army's Pacific theater during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1945. Willie met Rachael Owen in 1948, and they were married on Sept.2, 1949, beginning their 63 years of marital bliss. They enjoyed an active life together. Willie was ever optimistic and appreciated a good joke at every turn. He maintained a formidable garden-partly because he loved the outdoors, partly because he loved to eat fresh vegetables. He never faced a technical difficulty that could not be resolved in his much loved basement workshop. His handcrafted furniture will forever adorn the homes of many family members. Remaining active after retirement, many of their fondest memories included their travels with the Pacesetters square dancing group. Willie was a devoted member of the John McLees Sunday School class at New Prospect Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. He was also a member of the American Legion and Chiquola Lodge, Knights of Pythias. Their proudest achievement together was raising their large family. Along with Rachael, he is survived by Bill Witt of Knoxville, Susan Lawson of Covington Ga; Michael Witt, Mary Lou Seel, Becky Campbell and his younger sister, LaRue Albaugh (all of Anderson), twelve grandchildren, Bill Lawson, Matt Lawson, and Adam Lawson of Covington, Ga., Justin Witt of Columbia SC, Kristin Witt of Memphis TN, Melanie Coetsee of Irmo SC, Julie Shankle of Hendersonville TN and Amy Manly of Anderson, Austin Campbell of Somerville MA, Holly Campbell of Anderson(sometimes), William Witt Jr, and Anna Witt of Knoxville TN, as well as nine great-grandchildren. He has left us to join his parents, along with four sisters, Edna Wells, Vera Hilton, Myrtle Rainey, and Sara Rainey. All wish to express their heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and care showered upon Willie by the staffs at Morningside and NHC, along with his devoted caregivers for the past year, Eva Keese and Chestine Humphrey. The family will be at the home of Michael Witt, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Monday, May 20, from 6 PM to 8 PM. A Celebration of Willie's life will be held at The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at 2:30 PM with Dr. Tony Smith, Rev. Tom Turner, and Rev. Bob Parker officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Willie's name to the Building Fund at New Prospect Baptist, 2503 Whitehall Road, Anderson, SC 29625, or Meals on Wheels, PO Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. THE McDOUGALD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Anderson. Events Visitation Monday, May 20, 2013 6:00PM - 8:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Tuesday, May 21, 2013 2:30PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343