John Dewit

John DeWit, passed away at Holston Valley Medical Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in his 89th year. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years Evelyn Joyce, parents Bastiaan and Elisabeth DeWit – Hinz and his brother Bastiaan.

He is survived by his brother-in-law Ron Hilliard and sister-in-law Carol and sister-in-law Rosemary Hilliard of Ontario, Canada, beloved daughter Natalie and son-in-law Craig Shepherd of Greeneville, son Edward DeWit of Johnson City, son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Judy DeWit of Greeneville. Beloved Gram to grandchildren Ali (Ahmad), Eli, Kristen (Alex), Elizabeth (Jeremy), Michael, and Wesley. Dear great-grandmother to Owen, Samantha and Aubrey. Numerous Cousins, nieces and nephews in Europe, Canada and USA.

He was born at Delfshaven, Rotterdam in The Netherlands. John was a Graduate of Beukelsdijk Technical School, Culinary arts and Tusculum College, BA and MA with Organizational Managements degrees. He also served in the Royal Netherlands Navy and Merchant Navy, 1953-’57. John immigrated to Canada in 1957.

The prime of his working life he worked for Silcorp Ltd. Divisions dba Silverwood Dairy, Mac’s Convenience Stores, VP Operations, Ontario and Quebec, and President of Farr View Ltd, Milford, MI, dba Open Pantry Food Marts, Richardson Farm Dairy Stores and Exec VP C.O.O. Hop-In Food Stores, Roanoke, VA, over a period of 18 years.

He was Past President Branch 375, Deputy Zone Commander Zone E3, Ontario Command Royal Canadian Legion. He was also a member and Past Master of Greeneville Lodge #3 F&AM and Past Venerable Master of Knoxville Valley, Scottish Rite and 33-degree SGIG honorary.

John was a member and past Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Greeneville, TN and loved his church family and found great purpose in singing in the church choir.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of the cremation.

A Celebration of Life for John and Evelyn will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Greeneville, TN April 18th at 2:00 pm.

A special thanks to all the friends for prayers and to all the healthcare providers whose care went above and beyond and always exceeded our expectations. We are deeply grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to your favorite charity.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com