Obituary of Edward Rucker Witt, Jr.

Edward “Sonny” Rucker Witt, Jr., 75, of Lynchburg passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023. He was the loving husband of Elizabeth “Betty” Carey Witt. They had been in love with each other since college and married for 52 years.

Born November 4, 1947, in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Edward R. Witt, Sr. and Dean R. Witt. Sonny was a 1966 graduate of E. C. Glass High School. In 1970 he graduated from Hampton-Sydney College where he served as the chapter President of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He went on to complete his M. Ed. at Lynchburg College in 1975. He retired as an employee of Lynchburg City Schools where he served as an Assistant Principal, Supervisor, Director, and ended his 43-year education career as Assistant Superintendent. In all his positions in the school system, his main concerns were always the students’ education and well-being.

Sonny was a kind and gentle man, always thinking of others. He seemed to know everyone in town as his children will attest. He would always tell you a good joke. He loved sports, playing city league baseball, high school and college football. He also loved being involved watching his children swim competitively, and never missed a swim meet.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Edward “Tripper” R. Witt III and wife Tara T. Witt of Lynchburg; step-grandsons, Donald S. Korona (d) and Jacob C. Korona; his daughter, Anne C. Witt and husband Michael S. Smith of Charlottesville, his sister Deborah W. Tilson and husband William L. Tilson, of Amelia Island, Florida; niece Jennifer L. Tilson and husband David C. Spiegelman, great-niece Miranda A. Tilson of Oakland, California, and niece Sarah A. Tilson of Bloomington, Indiana.

A viewing will be held at Diuguid Funeral Home & Crematory (Timberlake) on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Fort Hill Memorial Park on Saturday, October 28th at 1 p.m.

Diuguid Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association or Michael J. Fox Foundation.