Bill was born in Eastport on Aug. 20, 1934, the son of James Marshall and Ethel Matthews DeWitt. He graduated from Shead Memorial High School in Eastport in 1953 and worked at the A&P grocers until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954. He proudly served and was a veteran of both Korea and Vietnam and was the recipient of several honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal. He loved his country and was a true patriot. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1975. Later he was employed at M. Grumbacher Corp. (Jay Brush) and as a civilian Inventory and Supply Manager at BNAS, retiring in 1998.
Bill embraced life and cherished his family and friends. He was always quick to start conversations and never knew a stranger. The children would light up when they saw him as they knew he would always be interested in whatever was happening in their lives and could count on his wit and wisdom.
Sports, especially golf, traveling including many cruises were among his most favorite pastimes.
Bill was a member of the Washington Street Baptist Church in Eastport and a parish member of First Parish Church in Brunswick, a member of Post 202 American
Legion, the DAV and VFW. He was a supporter of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C., as well as POW/MIA.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Stanley M.
DeWitt, James R.
DeWitt and Ralph E.
DeWitt Sr.
He is survived by his wife Irma DeWitt of Brunswick; a son Michael D. DeWitt and his wife Kathryn of Scarborough, a brother Gary DeWitt and his wife Cynthia of Simpsonville, SC, a sister Susan DeWitt Taylor and her husband William of Galavants Ferry, SC, brother in-law David Pottle of Bath, sister-in-law Annie Bowden of Bath and Betty Pottle of Bangor. His family includes many, many nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12 at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A video tribute of his life will be shown and can also be seen on Brackett’s website.
The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Parish Church, Maine Street, Brunswick, followed by a reception in the church vestry. Condolences may be made to the family at www.brackettfuneralhome.c om. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans in his name. A fund will be set up. Interment with military honors will be held in the spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.
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