Phillip Gene DeWitt

Phillip Gene DeWitt, 69, of Madison, Fl., passed away April 11, at his residence in Cherry Lake, Fl. Phillip was born January 24, 1946 in Pinehurst, N.C., to Gary DeWitt and Ada Pusser DeWitt. Phillip DeWitt was of the Methodist Faith and was a member of Cherry Lake Methodist Church. After being raised on a peach farm in Ellerbe, N.C., at the age of 23, he moved with his wife and two sons to Cherry Lake, Fl. and became a second generation peach grower. He later diversified into vegetables. Phillip DeWitt loved farming and watching things grow. At least four times in his career as a peach grower, he was the season’s first in the U.S. to hit the New York market. Phillip was preceded in death his father, Gary DeWitt and his loving mother, Ada Pusser DeWitt; one son, Jonathan “Guy” DeWitt; one grandson, Chad Lamar O’Quinn; two brothers: David DeWitt of Ellerbe, N.C. and John S. DeWitt of Barney, Ga. Phillip DeWitt is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Jean Regan DeWitt, of Cherry Lake, and one son, Phillip Joseph “Joe” Dewitt, of Cherry Lake, and two grandchildren: Timothy Joseph “TJ” DeWitt and Elisa Diane DeWitt also of Cherry Lake; two brothers: Edward Lamar DeWitt and long time friend, Suzanne of Ellerbe, N.C., and Steven DeWitt and long time friend, Hazel of Ellerbe, N.C.; two sisters-in-law: Mabel DeWitt of Barney, Ga. and Susan DeWitt of Ellerbe, N.C.; two sisters: Ann Lomax and husband Raymond, of Jackson Springs, N.C., and Janette Carr and husband, Happ, of Clemson, S.C. He also left behind a host of wonderful life long friends including Polly and Ryland Hamlett, of Roxboro, N.C. and Sandi and Jim McVicker of Madison, Fl. Services will be held at Cherry Lake Methodist Church on Saturday, April 18, at 11 a.m. in Cherry Lake, with Pastor Cherryl Register and Pastor Florance Boatman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be made to Cherry Lake United Methodist Church, Big Bend Hospice or any organization of your choice. All arrangements are under the care of Joe P. Burns Funeral Home. You may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.