Jimmie Willard Proffitt

Jimmie Willard Proffitt departed this life on July 12, 2015 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C., surrounded by loving family. Jimmie was born April 8, 1929 in Morristown, TN. His parents were the late Sue Rice Proffitt and Elwood Proffitt.

Jimmie attended Morristown College High School in Morristown, TN and worked briefly in the private sector before enlisting in the Army. He faithfully and honorably served his country from about 1950 until 1974, and received several medals of honors including the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his tour in Korea. He loved learning and enhanced his education, training, and skills through numerous programs offered by the Army. His initial occupation was as a cook, but through the army found a career as an Orthopedic Specialist, which he loved and performed until he retired.

Jimmie was married to Betty D. Proffitt for 47 years, before she passed in 2013. Jimmie and Betty were each other’s king and queen. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, being with family and friends, laughing, telling “tall” tales, and socializing in his own quiet way. Jimmie was always a sharp dressed man and known for his hats and confident walk.

Jimmie was a member of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ and a lifetime member of the Masonic Temple. He leaves to mourn, children: Jacqueline (John) Lyons, Johnny Young, Vaughn (Ella) Martin, Elsie Elmira Martin Young, Joy Proffitt, Anntoinette Jones, Deborah Akwei, and Harvey Proctor; siblings: Betty-Jo Ely, and Diane (Charles) Treece.

He was blessed to have 40 grand and great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Jimmie was predeceased by his former wife, (Nettie Houston), his son (Jimmie W. Proffitt, Jr.) and daughter (Rita LaVerne Martin Oden).

Jimmie will truly be missed, but his spirit lives on in each of us as a lasting memorial to his legacy.

Arrangements under the direction of Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, BRENTWOOD, MD.