Robert Witt

Robert L. Witt was born at Medina, Tennessee, June 3, 1912. He graduated from high school in Medina in 1929; graduated from Freed-Hardeman College in 1931; obtained the B.S. degree from Murray State College in 1933 and the M.A. degree from George Peabody College in 1948. He taught in the public schools of Gibson County for four years and during this time taught Bible classes and conducted song services for gospel meetings at Sitka, Milan, Bethany, and Doris Chapel congregations.

Mr. Witt was married to Frances Jenkins of Morganfield, Kentucky in 1934 and they have one daughter, Rose Lynn James, who lives in Paris, Tennessee. Dr. and Mrs. James have two daughters and a son.

He began regular preaching work in 1937, moved to Dasher, Georgia, and taught in the Dasher Bible School that year moved to Morganfield, Kentucky, in 1938, teaching in the public schools and preaching in neighboring towns and congregations until 1942.

Mr. Witt then moved to Humholdt, Tenn., in June, 1942 and preached there for two years. He returned to teach at Freed-Hardeman College in September, 1943, where he has taught mathematics and science, and since 1949 he has taught one or more Bible classes. Also, he continued to preach for congregations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. He has held gospel meetings in nine states. He is presently a deacon in the church at Henderson.

Freed-Hardeman Lectures, 1977, p. 279

Robert Lynn Witt, 493 White St., Henderson, Tenn. was born June 3, 1912 in Medina, Tenn. He was baptized by Virgil Hope, Oct. 12, 1926.

Wife: Frances Jenkins, Married Dec. 24, 1934.

Children: Rose Lyunn Witt James, 22.

Began Preaching: New Liberty, Ky., 1934.

College: Freed-Hardeman, Murrary State College, Universtiy of Tennessee, George Peabody College.

Churches Served: Union Hill and Quitman, Ga., 1937-38; Bordley, Princeton, DeKoven, Deason Springs, Fairview, Key. 1938-42; Humboldt, Tenn., 1942-44; Medina, Scotts Hill, Middleton, Tenn. 1944-50; Bethany, Doris Chapel, Gibson Coutny, Tenn. 1950-52; Bethel Springs, Tenn., 1952-54; New Concord, Ky., Flatwoods, Doris Chapel, Tenn., 1955-58; Bethel Springs, 1959-.

Preachers of Today, Vol. II, p. 484

Pasted Graphic

Robert Witt died in 1984 and is buried at Mt. Zion Methodist Church cemetery near Medina, Tenn. From Jackson, Tenn, go north on highway 45 and turn left on highway 154 at the traffic light in Medina. Go three miles west and turn right on the Mt. Zion Road. The church building are less than a mile on the right and the cemetery is across the road on the left.

Pasted Graphic 1

Robert L. Witt – Dedicated Servant of Freed-Hardeman College

Chasity Dishman, May 6, 2002

When one thinks of individuals who have devoted a lifetime to Christian fl education, Robert L. Witt should come to mind. He provided Freed-Hardeman College with thirty-four years of service in numerous capacities. His hard work, dedication, and Christian example impacted countless students. Those who are now able to enjoy Freed-Hardeman University are greatly indebted to Mr. Witt and others who have helped the school become what it is today.

Robert L. Witt was born in the small community of Medina, Tennessee, located in Gibson County, on June 3, 191 2 (Lectureship 1977). His father was a Methodist, and Robert attended a Methodist church while growing up (Frances Witt 2002). He graduated from Medina High School in 1929. After high school, he came to Freed- Hardeman College in 1931 (Lectureship 1977). It was during the time he attended FHC that Witt became a member of the church of Christ (Frances Witt 2002).

While at Freed-Hardeman, Witt played on the school basketball team. He was chosen to be the team captain his senior year. During his collegiate basketball career, the Freed-Hardeman team was asked to play the Memphis State University team. Witt and his team fared well; they only lost the game by three points (Treasure Chest 1975).

Also while at FHC, Witt was elected "Most Representative Boy" by his fellow students. This is an award similar to the current "Mr. FHU" award given by the school (Marilyn Tollerson 2002).

Following his time at Freed-Hardeman, Witt attended Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and graduated in 1933 with a Bachelor , of Science degree (Lectureship 1977). It was during his time at Murray State that Witt became highly interested in the game of tennis (Frances Witt 2002). This interest would later lead him r' to be a very successful tennis coach.

In the summer of 1934, Robert met the woman he would marry. Frances Jenkins lived in Morganfield, Kentucky, and attended a small church of Christ just outside of town. The church had a gospel meeting that summer, and Robert Witt was asked to be the song leader for the meeting. Frances's father was an elder in the congregation, and it was typical for an elder to house the visiting ministers and song leaders. Therefore, Frances's family invited Robert to stay in their home. Robert and Frances spent about two weeks together and grew close. Frances left Morganfield to attend Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green that fall. Robert visited Frances at Western Kentucky, and he asked her to marry him. The couple exchanged vows on December 24, 1934. Mrs. Witt said that is seemed as if they were almost strangers, but they knew r they were in love, and that is all that mattered. After being married a while, Frances gave birth to a daughter, Rose Lynn, who would be their only child (Frances Witt 2002).

Robert moved back to Gibson County and became principal of Brazil High School just outside of Trenton, Tennessee (Alumnograms 1969). He worked in this position until 1937. While there, he taught Bible classes and led song services for gospel meetings in the Sitka, Milan, Bethany, and Doris Chapel churches of Christ (Lectureship 1977). Robert began regular preaching work for the churches of Christ in 1937. His family moved to Dasher, Georgia and Robert taught in the Dasher Bible School that year as well. He also did radio spots where he would preach the gospel.

Times were hard for them when they were first married due to the affects of the Great Depression. Mrs. Witt said that the school promised Robert fifty dollars a month, but they were not able to make his pay. Since they had a baby, they needed more money, and they left Dasher to move to Morganfield, Kentucky (Frances Witt 2002).

Robert taught in the public schools at Morganfield and preached in neighboring congregations. In 1942, the Witt family moved to Humboldt, Tennessee after Robert took a job as Safety Engineer in Civil Service at Milan, Tennessee (Alumnograms 1969). He also became the pulpit minister at the Humboldt church of Christ that year.

He worked with the church at Humboldt until 1943. It was in 1943 that Robert moved back to Freed-Hardeman to teach mathematics and science. He also became the director of Intramurals. This was the beginning of a long and very productive career for Mr. Witt (Lectureship 1 977).

While Robert was at Freed-Hardeman he worked on a Master's Degree at George Peabody College in Nashville. He received his M. A. in 1948 (Lectureship r 1977). In 1949, Robert began teaching Bible classes at FHC. He also preached on weekends while teaching at Freed-Hardeman in congregations in Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky. He held gospel meetings in nine states, and eventually served as deacon at the Henderson church of Christ (Lectureship 1977).

Robert Witt held many positions in his years of service to Freed-Hardeman College. In addition to teaching in mathematics, science, and Bible classes, he served as Dean of Students for a time (Treasure Chest 1977). According to Mrs. Marilyn Tollerson, director of the Freed-Hardeman University Historical Room and former student of Witt, Robert served on the Executive committee of the school and helped the school through a critical time in the 1950s. She said that during this time, the school was going through a change in presidents. There was a student revolt and sit-in during this transition. Mrs. Tollerson said that she had much respect and admiration for Mr. Witt for keeping the school together during this trying time (Marilyn Tollerson 2002). Mr. Witt served as substitute Director of Student Counseling, and had the responsibility of maintaining correct student behavior. He served as head of the Department of Mathematics, and he served on the advisory board for the school (Treasure Chest 1977). Robert was very dedicated to Freed-Hardeman. Mrs. Witt said that when he worked under the direction of N. B. Hardeman, Robert never had a day off. Back then, the students attended school on Saturday and had Monday off. Brother Hardeman asked Mr. Witt to patrol the campus on Monday to ensure proper student behavior (Frances Witt 2002).

During World War It, the athletic program at Freed-Hardeman College ceased to exist because the intercollegiate sports organizations stopped competitions. In 1950, though, Freed-Hardeman once again participated in intercollegiate sports. Robert Witt was chosen to be the head coach of the basketball and tennis teams. He was also named athletic director and kept this position for nearly fifteen years (Treasure Chest 1975).

Robert Witt was considered to be "a master in the game of tennis" (Treasure Chest 1975). In 1971, the led the team to the state tournament where they finished runner-up. The 1972 team came in second in the regionals. Robert is known for putting FHC on the map in collegiate tennis when his 1973 team won the regional tournament, and they also won the state tournament. Their win at the state level vaulted the team to the national tournament in Florida, where they finished 25th in the nation. This was the highlight of Witt's career as tennis coach. He coached the tennis team for twenty-four yearbook was dedicated to Mr. Witt. The following quote was published in the 1975 Treasure Chest about Mr. Witt: One of the most energetic persons on this campus is not the youngest, but at the age of 63 his veins are filled with as much youth, humor, and enthusiasm as any of the students he has taught. (1 14)

It was also mentioned in this yearbook that Mr. Witt was on the faculty longer than any other person except C. P. Roland. Another quote in the 1975 Treasure Chest stated the following about Mr. Witt: "His vast knowledge and humorous stories amaze all, leaving little doubt that this baron of tennis, Robert Witt, is also the baron of men" (Treasure Chest 1975). Mr. Witt was said to have been involved with many aspects of campus and at each faculty talent show or activity, he was sure to be there. He won a faculty "womanless beauty revue" in 1975 (Frances Witt 2002).

Robert was honored with many awards during his lifetime. He was listed in Leaders of American Science and in Community Leaders of America (Alumnograms 1969). He was elected Vice-president of the mathematics section of the West Tennessee Education Association and served one year, and the following year he was President (Alumnograms 1970). He was named an "Outstanding Educator of America" and listed in the Who's Who in the South and Southwest publication (Alumnograms 1961). The Civitans of Henderson named honored him for "rendering unselfish, loyal, and civic service.'' He was honored for many years of service to the Philo social club. Robert received one of the first three honorary doctorates given by FHC (Frances Witt).

Robert kept busy when not at work. His widow said that he never wasted time; he was always involved with his hobbies or community service. He served as director of the Henderson March of Dimes and Red Cross. He played the organ and was asked to perform for numerous community and school events. He was highly involved with the church; he went on several evangelistic efforts and served as an elder at the Henderson church. Robert loved all sports but golf. He also loved bird watching, gardening, fishing, and traveling (Frances Witt 2002).

Many people knew Mr. Witt as a man full of knowledge. Mrs. Virginia Derryberry, a friend of his family, said that he knew the subject of math better than anyone she knew (Virginia Derryberry 2002). Mrs. Witt said that one summer, after the math department at FHC adopted a new math text, Robert sat down and worked every problem in the book and compared answers with the answer key. He found several mistakes in the publishers' answers! (Frances Witt 2002). He was also known to be very humorous. He had a very competitive nature, and he was enthusiastic about all of his endeavors (Frances Witt 2002).

Robert Witt retired from Freed-Hardeman College in 1977 after thirty-four years of service. While he worked at FHC, his wife Frances also worked for twenty-seven years. She served as the President's secretary and ran the entire business department in the schools earlier years. After retirement, the Witts spent a year as missionaries in Trinidad. Mrs. Witt said that they would have remained there longer had their visas not expired. The country would not allow them to renew their visas. The Witts were able to spend time with the President of Trinidad (Frances Witt 2002).

Robert Witt passed away on January 15, 1984 at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. He had been a patient at the hospital for two weeks undergoing knee surgery, when he had a fatal heart attack. He was survived by his wife, daughter Rose Lynn James, son-in-law Tom James, and three grandchildren, Melanie, Camille, and Mark. Melanie has a PhD in accounting and works as a professor at Tennessee Tech University. Carmille works for the Board of Education in her hometown, and Mark is a paralegal and law student ((Frances Witt 2002).

Robert L. Witt was a man who lived life to the fullest. He was a dedicated servant to the church, community, and Freed-Hardeman for many years. Because of people like Mr. Witt, Freed-Hardeman has become the school that we get to enjoy today. May we never take these people for granted, and may we never forget what a special man Robert Witt truly was. Each time ones sees the tennis courts, he or she should be reminded of the dedication and sacrifices made by the remarkable Robert L. Witt.

Works Consulted

"Alumnograms." (1961) Freed-Hardeman College. W. A. Bradfield, ed.

"Alumnograms." (1 969). Freed-Hardeman College. W. A. Bradfield, ed.

Bennett, Cliff. Personal interview. May 6, 2002.

Derryberry, Virginia. Personal interview. May 5, 2002.

Lectureship Book. (1 977). Freed-Hardeman College.

Treasure Chest. (1 975). Freed-Hardeman College.

Treasure Chest. (1 977). Freed-Hardeman College.

Tollerson, Marilyn. Personal interview. May 1, 2002.

Witt, Frances. Personal interview. May 3, 2002.

Woods, Clyde. Personal interview. May 6, 2002.