Roger Allen Witt

Summerfield-Roger Allen Witt, 79, passed away January 12, 2015. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 2 PM on the 18th of January 2015 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel with Dr. Steve Pressley officiating. The family will receive friends during a reception following the service.

Roger was born in Patterson, NJ to the late Charles and Elizabeth Witt. He graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and received his Professional Engineering certification from the State of Pennsylvania while being employed with GE for close to 17 years. In 1976, he moved to Buffalo, NY to join Sierra Research as a VP of Engineering and then Operations. Sierra provided the electrical systems onboard the AWACS communication aircraft for the Department of Defense. Roger later trained with American Express and earned his financial advisor qualifications which led him to employment with Edward Jones Investments and finally InterCarolina Financial Services in North Carolina.

Roger loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren, passing along to them his passion for golf and working together on his horse ranch. No one would think that someone growing up in Northern NJ would fall in love with the country life of NC but he was happiest working on the ranch. He was a member of the men’s golf association at Bryan Park and an avid golfer. He and his wife of 15 years, Saundra Keen Witt (Sandy) enjoyed travels to the beach and the mountains. His quirky sense of humor, talent for making great conversation and upbeat attitude made him an engaging people person and when he met a stranger they wouldn’t be a stranger for long. Being productive and active was very important to Roger so it was not unusual that he be outside tending his roses or working on a new investment idea. His family will remember him as a wonderful husband, serious and caring father and adoring grandfather.

Surviving Roger are his wife, Sandy Witt of Summerfield, NC; sons and their spouses, Roger and Suzanne Witt of Bridgewater, NJ; Jeff and Kathy Witt and Blaine and Susan Witt all of Buffalo, NY; step sons and their spouses, David and Sharon Grant of Oak Ridge and Rob and Kym Grant of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Samantha, Owen, and Todd and five step-grandchildren, Crystal, Carmen, Alexander, Shayne and Savannah; sister and husband, Alice and John Wetzel of Trumbull, CT and their children, John Wetzel Jr., Laura O’Neal, Tracy Kelly, and Lynn Dewey; and his beloved companions, Razzy the dog and Whiskey the cat.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Jimmy V. Foundation at 106 Towerview Ct., Cary, NC 27513 or online at www.jimmyv.org. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Witt family. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.

Information about the Jimmy V. Foundation:

“Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”®

Serving as the heartbeat of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, formed by ESPN and Jim Valvano in 1993, his words throughout the ESPY speech inspire millions to get involved. After being diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 46, Jim dreamed of finding cures for cancer. Passionate and committed, he wanted to see his fight through to victory. As a former coach, he began to recruit his team of family and friends to lead The Foundation in his quest to eradicate the disease. Jim’s dream of finding cures for cancer is shared by millions. Although we have not yet achieved this goal, every day we get a little bit closer and continue to honor his inspiring words, “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up!”

Roger had a passion for this organization. Battling cancer himself he knew that he wanted to help out in any way possible so that families are not affected by this disease. In memory of Roger and knowing how important this was to him, we are asking that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Jimmy V Foundation. – The Witt’s