John Charles Hitt, 61, gained his heavenly reward on March 27th, 2019. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Penny Hitt. He also leaves behind his daughters Melissa Walp and her husband Kyle, Megan Jones and her husband Brian, Nikita Folen and her husband Isreal, and Aubrey Hitt.
He was a loving “Tunch” to his grandchildren Brayden and Beckett Jones, Paxton and Bailey Walp, and was looking forward to meeting his newest grandchild Baby Folen. He leaves behind his sister, Jackie Heintzman and her husband Mark and a brother Heath Hitt He was also loved by Penny’s parents Floyd and Patty Rine and Penny’s brothers Dennis and his wife Terri Rine, and Tim and his wife Becky along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad, Jack Hitt, mother, Jillian Mozingo, and brother Harry Hitt.
John was born in Cambridge, England on December 18, 1957. He moved to the United States shortly after he was born and moved around as a part of a military family. Eventually, his family settled in Wheeling, W.V. John worked at Oglebay Park as a golf caddy during the summers, joined the Coast Guard during high school, and later worked with his father at Karr Supply in heating and air conditioning.
He met Penny at National Road Church of Christ in Wheeling and was so smitten he proposed after only six weeks of dating. He started school at Ohio Valley College after they were married and received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible. He went on to be a minister for several Churches of Christ across West Virginia and Ohio, working as a foster parent and case worker at Midwestern Children’s Home, and working at Camp Concern.
After moving to Arkansas, he was a minister at Banner Church of Christ for over 20 years. He also worked at Harding Academy and spent his summers at Camp Tahkodah. Most recently, he was a caretaker of his grandchildren and a member and active volunteer at Downtown Church of Christ.
John lived a full and blessed life and it was obvious to all that he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved the Lord and served him daily. He served others by cooking really good food for the masses, grilling and smoking meats to raise money for charity, teaching bible class to both young and old, and working on people’s cars.
He was a talented mechanic and enjoyed fixing antique cars. He spent his summers at Camp Tahkodah cooking, fixing things, teaching bible classes, and delivering devotionals that people talked about year after year. He was famous for his awesome taste in music.
He was the world’s biggest Pittsburg Steeler fan. He was a quiet man but was quick with the jokes and keeping the whole room laughing. He loved being with his grandchildren and he was their best friend.
He was kind to all and will be greatly missed. Visitation is Saturday, March 30 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Downtown Church of Christ. Memorial Service is Sunday, at Camp Tahkodah, 2:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to Camp Tahkodah, HU Box 10844, Searcy, AR 72149.
Cremation arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www. powellfuneralhome.net To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Charles Hitt please visit our Sympathy Store.
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