William M Hitson Jr.

He was a cherished member of Mt. Bethel Church and had previously been a devoted member of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church. Bill served his country with honor in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. His professional journey began with the F.W. Woolworth Company before he played a pivotal role in the founding and growth of Days Inn. Later, he established himself as a prominent real estate developer based in Atlanta, specializing in hotel development and management across the Southeast. Beyond his career, Bill was a loving family man who found joy in spending time with his loved ones and caring for animals.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Lee Hitson; parents, Juanita and William M. Hitson, Sr.; stepmother, Margaret Jennings Hitson; brothers, Philip Hitson, Raymond Hitson, and David Hitson.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sylvia Sprinkle Hitson; his children, Sherry Taylor (Doug) of Roswell and Tim Hitson (Amy) of Maryville, Tn.; his grandchildren, Amanda Shafer (Erik) of Brunswick, Ga., Hitson Taylor (Marjorie) of Danbury, Ct., Trey Hitson (Crista) of Maryville, Tn., Nicole Kwiatkowski (Rick) of Cumming, Caitlin Walgren (Andrew) of Athens, Ga., and Cole Hitson of Friendsville, Tn.; his stepgrandson, Caden Clarkson of Maryville, Tn.; 9 great grandchildren; his sister, Eloise Landers (Bob) of Maryville, Tn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Sandy Springs Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12th. Family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service and a reception will be held immediately after. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Missions Fund at Mt. Bethel Church (mtbethel.org).