John Adams Bittle

A man of sharp intellect, quick wit, deep compassion, and quiet grace, John touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by many.

Born in Greenwood, Mississippi, John was the beloved son of Dalton and Yancey Bittle. He spent most of his early life in Natchez, MS, and graduated from S.H. Blair High School in Hattiesburg, in 1970.

John's academic path reflected his unique blend of talents and interests. He earned a degree in Business Statistics and Data Processing from Mississippi State University in 1975, followed by a second degree in Music Education in 1980. After moving to Columbia, South Carolina in 1984, he went on to complete a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from the University of South Carolina in 1990.

For more than three decades, John cultivated dual careers in music and business. He served in IT and the business office at Lexington Medical Center for 35 years while also performing as tenured second clarinet with the South Carolina Philharmonic. His passion for music extended far beyond the midlands. He was the founding principal clarinetist of the Aiken Symphony, and enjoyed his work as principal clarinetist with the SC Conductors Institute and Anne Brodie's Nutcracker. He also frequently subbed with both the Charleston and Augusta Symphonies, and was a founding member of the Sterling Chamber Players in Columbia, SC.

An inspiring teacher and mentor, John guided generations of clarinetists as a professor at Columbia College and Lander University, and through private lessons with devoted precollege students across the region.

John was a faithful Episcopalian and a member of Trinity Cathedral in Columbia. He served compassionately on the AIDS committee and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Outside of his career in IT and in Music, John loved reading mystery novels, watching The Amazing Race, and traveling to beautiful destinations across Europe. He held special memories of visits to England, Ireland, Turkey, France, and Italy.

John was the last surviving member of his immediate family, preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Dalton Bittle. He is survived by a large circle of dear friends, students, and colleagues who will carry his memory forward.

John will be laid to rest in Greenwood, Mississippi, alongside his family.