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
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.
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.