David K. Witt, 72, of Raleigh, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on August 27, 2014 after a sudden, debilitating stroke. He was a committed Christian and beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. David is preceded in death by his parents, James K and Anna Witt of Nashville, and his sister, Julia Nickle Moore of Huntsville, AL. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia Carroll Witt (Pat), his daughter, Susan Craige and husband, Mark, of Raleigh, two grandsons, John Dakota (Koty) and David Paxton, and his nephew, James David (Jim) Nickle, son of his only sister, as well as many other nephews and nieces. David was born December 25, 1941 and graduated from Vanderbilt University cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Physics and Music. His career in software development began with GE and continued in upper management positions for 30 plus years with IBM. He excelled in mentoring many in their professional development while also directing a diverse set of programs, such as those related to retail store systems, antiballistic missile systems and the NASA Gemini Space program. He served as an organist in churches throughout the Southeast, Texas and New Jersey for over 50 years, and was integral in the design of new pipe organs in many of those churches. He served 39 of those years here in the Raleigh area at Hillyer Memorial Disciples of Christ Church, Edenton Street United Methodist Church, and most recently at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. He made recordings of his original hymn arrangements to raise money for the Methodist Home for Children, where he served on their board and as interim President and CEO. He also served as a founding member of the Board of the N. C. Child Advocacy Institute, now NC Child. He served as the Vice-Chair of Trustees with The Institute For Worship Studies, an institute dedicated to Christian worship renewal and education. David's life is marked by his generosity, his creativity, his encouragement of others and his commitment to excellence in all he did. Friends may visit with the family at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A service of worship and celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, also at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to the Methodist Home for Children, 1041 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605 or online at www.mhfc.org

Published in The News & Observer from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2, 2014