Mr. Richard Franklin (Opie) Witte

Mr. Richard Franklin (Opie) Witte, age 74, of Thomaston, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 11, 2023. A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, December 15, at 2:00 PM, at Upson Memorial Gardens. There will be a celebration of his life immediately following the service at the family residence.

Mr. Witte was born on December 15, 1948, at Fort Benning, GA, and he was raised in Carteret, NJ. After graduation from Carteret High School, he continued his education to achieve a Bachelors degree, dual Masters degrees, and a specialist degree in middle grades education. Rich taught seventh grade in New Jersey until moving to Georgia in 1984 where he continued his teaching career in the Thomaston-Upson County and Griffin-Spalding County School Systems. Throughout his teaching career he received many accolades including Teacher of the Year in 2002. Rich's love for life, laughter, and music always drew people to him. He was the life of the party. Rich was an avid history buff and loved to debate. He loved the New York Giants. He will be missed by many.

Mr. Witte was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Vivian Witte, two brothers, William Witte and Robert Witte. He is survived by his loving wife, Cherrye McGee Witte; a sister, Linda (Arthur) Straley; a brother, Jonathan (Vicki) Witte, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may donate to Doctors Without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders.com.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.