Johnny Howard Witt, 75, of Columbus, NC (Green Creek) passed away May 05, 2026, at Spartanburg Regional Heart Center after a sudden health issue. Johnny was born on February 20, 1951, in Greeneville, TN to the late Johnny Ralph and Mae Masoner Witt. He grew up in Morristown, TN and was in the first graduating class from Morristown Hamblen West in 1969.

Due to his draft number, Johnny chose to enlist in the Air Force in 1970 where he served a total of 15 years (two tours). He always said his graduation trip was to Vietnam. After the USAF, he worked at Lockheed Martin in Greenville, SC for 33 years as a supervisor, A&P Mechanic and Flight Test Engineer. In the air, in a C-130 was his happy place.

Johnny enjoyed watching NASCAR, old Westerns and his beloved Tennessee Vols' football games. He liked to browse flea markets and yard sales. His gift of gab would have him talking to perfect strangers about almost anything. Johnny constantly had to be doing something, especially if he could be outdoors.

Johnny had a GREAT LOVE for God, County and family. He would go out of his way to help anyone. He had one of the most tender hearts you will ever find. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and was a Mason.

In addition to his wife of 31 years, Teresa Johnson Taylor-Witt. Johnny is also survived by children: Krystal (Chris) Hughes of Simpsonville, SC; Brandi Witt of Roopville, GA; LJ (Chrystal) Witt of Seneca, SC. He is also survived by grandsons: Donavon Wall, Colby Scarlett, C J Hughes and three great-grandsons. Johnny loved the family he acquired by his marriages just as he did his own. Stepchildren: Darrell (Natalie) Taylor; Liza Owens West, Graham Owens, and step-grandchildren: Paige, Ian and Emma Taylor.

Johnny is also survived by his sister, Audrey (Mike) Pope, of Morristown, TN; brother-in-law, Ruben "Buck" Frazier of Fort White, FL; niece, Tonya (Jimmy) Bibb & her children of Waco, TX.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was predeceased by a sister, Mildred “Beck” Frazier.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, NC. A time for sharing memories and military honors will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Burial will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, in Black Mountain, NC.

Due to Johnny's love of their rescue fur-baby and his concern for Veterans, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name, to Second Chance Rescue of NC, 12210 Hwy 601, Midland, NC 28107 or Warrior Canine Connection, 14934 Schaeffer Road, Boyds, MD 20841.