November 4, 2004

OBITUARIES

John L. Harrison of Springfield died Saturday, Oct. 30, in his residence. He was 70.

Born Feb. 23, 1934, in Dayton, he was the son of Claryce (Smalley) and Conrad Grimes.

He served in the 178th Tactical Fighter Group of the Ohio Air National Guard from 1952 to 1954. He retired from Dayton Power and Light in 1999 after 44 years of service. He was a member of Local 175 Utility Workers Union, was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed camping and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judith (Bridgett) Harrison; daughters and son-in-law, Tracey and Richard Butler of North Hampton, and Alicia Harrison of Springfield; grandchildren, Jason Butler, Dylan Harrison and Alexis Cryder; and a host of other family.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Nov. 3, in Byron Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Missionary Church, 491 West Hyde Road, Yellow Springs. Jackson Lytle & Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carl A. Pitstick

Carl A. Pitstick died Wednesday, Oct. 27, surrounded by his family after a courageous fight with cancer. He was 83.

Born Nov. 6, 1920, he was the son of Paul and Marie Heider Pitstick.

Carl joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and served in the Pacific during WWII. While in service, he was assigned to the Fighting 4th Marine Division G Company, where he was engaged in the battles of Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. In the battle of Iwo Jima, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. In recognition of courageous battle actions, he was also awarded the Bronze Star. Recently, Carl had helped initiate a campaign to locate former G Company personnel. The group has grown in number and documents historical events and preserves the friendship and memories of this “Band of Brothers.”

Carl was a pioneer in Ohio’s fertilizer industry as the founder of Southwestern Farm Chemical Company. He introduced direct application anhydrous ammonia to his market area. He also was first in introducing dry bulk blended fertilizer to Ohio farmers. He served as president of the Ohio Fertilizer Association. In recognition of his many contributions to Ohio’s fertilizer industry and the association, he was honored with its Distinguished Service Award.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria (Hamma); children, Mark H. and Kay Pitstick of Atlanta and Julianne and Kenneth Tummel of Apple Valley, Minn.; grandchildren, Evan and Logan Pitstick and Gillian Lohr; his step family of his second wife, Janet Arthur Pitstick, Dennis, Sherry, Regan, Madelyn, Ryan and Laura Garrison of Washington Court House, Alicia, Todd, Abigail and Tyler Tackae of Washington Court House, and Sean, Amy, Benjamin and Sean Nicholas Arthur of Hamilton; siblings, Paul and Pat, Eugene and Edna, Gerald and Betty, Roger and Peggy and George and Eloise Pitstick, and Mary Singhoffer and Angela and John Cimprich.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Nov. 1, at St. Paul Catholic Church, with burial in St. Paul Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue in Dayton.

Raymond B. Williams

Raymond B. Williams of Fairborn died Tuesday, Oct. 26, in his residence. He was 81.

Born Aug. 22, 1923, in Dingus, Ky., he was the son of Manford James and Flossie (Dawson) Williams. Raymond was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired after 25 years from Dayton Tire and Rubber Company. He attended Fairborn Enterprise Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Georgia Humphreys and Helen Brooks.

He is survived by is loving wife of 55 years, Marie (Easterling) Williams; children, Peggy and Kenny Keith, Debbie Barnett and Pam Long, Danny Williams and Rick Williams, all of Fairborn; siblings, Betty Ross of Yellow Springs, Russell Williams of Sommerset, Ky., Archie Williams of Fairborn and Arkie Williams of Beavercreek; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 29, at the Burcham Funeral Home in Fairborn. Burial followed in Byron Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.