Clarence "Ed" Witt JR

  Ed, as he was known to most, is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Marie; his sister, JoAnn (Bill); his brother, Jim; and his
stepsons, Steve and Kenny Pendleton. He is survived by two stepchildren, Russell Pendleton and Michelle Adams (Michael);
three grandchildren, William Pendleton, Michael Trimm (Stacia), and Stephanie Trimm; nieces and nephews, Debbi (Ken) Morris,
Donna Carter, and David (Kim) Wood; along with his companion cat, Mary Kate.

  Ed was born in Cumberland, Maryland, to Evelyn and Clarence Witt Sr. After moving to Gainesville, Florida at a young age, he graduated from Gainesville High School and enlisted in the US Army. He later attended the University of Florida, where he
earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and became a charter member of the UF alumni association.

  
  Ed had a passion and knack for teaching. As an educator for over 30 years, he taught in public schools in West Virginia, Georgia, and Alachua county, including at Sunland Center. For more than ten years, he taught history and English to special education students at Vanguard High
School in Marion county, where he was also an inclusion teacher. He was instrumental in integrating computers into schools at both the county and school levels in the late 90s and early 2000s. His favorite students, however, were his grandchildren, with whom he had close bonds. 

  He retired in 2009 and shortly after became a full-time caretaker for Marie when she was diagnosed with a rare muscular disorder. He cared for her until her passing in 2015. Ed missed Marie immensely over the last nine years of his life, and his family finds solace in the fact that
they are reunited at last.

  Ed often said if he hadn’t been a teacher, he’d be a carpenter. He enjoyed building things and working on various house projects. He could cut a straight line without an edge and was quick to tell you as much! He also enjoyed reading, history, gardening, theology, and many other
educational ventures, along with cheering on his Florida Gators.

  In his final years, he struggled with the effects of dementia, rapidly losing his independence and
recollection of many events. However, he never lost his wit, humor, or love for family. Ed’s family sends a special thank you to the staff at Superior Residences of Lecanto and Vitas Healthcare.

A memorial ceremony will be held later this year. In his honor, please consider a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (curealz.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), or a local school/teacher of your choosing.