Downing Wood Hitt

Downing Wood Hitt, age 85, of Castleton, VA, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at home and is now resting peacefully with our lord and savior. Born September 17, 1929 in Rappahannock, to the late William Ludwell and Delsie Florence Hitt, Downing was a lifelong resident of Rappahannock. In early years Downing etched out a living working as auto mechanic for Chevrolet in Culpeper VA, and for 17 years drove a school bus for Rappahannock County Public Schools. Between bus hours, Downing also took on employment as auto mechanic for Merrill Motors in Washington, VA. Later Downing would become sole proprietor of Hitt’s Garage in Amissville, Va. and most recently, during his retirement years, worked hauling cattle for local farmers. Heading a quote from his father, “You need to have something growing while you sleep to make it” Downing always had a garden to tend and animals to raise. He enjoyed the work of seeing things grow and cultivated that same love in granddaughters Kayla and Jenna. He cherished each moment spent with them, always present in their lives, never missing any of their events no matter how far away the travel might be. Downing is preceded in death by 16 brothers and sisters, Herbert Hitt, Grace Green, Horace Hitt, Arthur Hitt, Lena Shifflet, Annie Weakley, Jesse Weakley, Erma Jenkins, Turner Hitt, Eva Kackley, Robert Hitt, Taylor Hitt and two stillborn siblings. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 39 years, Betty Jean Hitt of Castleton, VA, loving daughter Janet Carleen Hitt-Robey and husband Terry of Castleton Va., sons Downing L. Hitt and wife Martha Lou of Woodville VA, Wayne E. Hitt and wife Terry of Warrenton VA, sister Lucy Dellinger Kube and husband Robert Kube of Broad Run, VA, grandchildren Cassandra Hatcher and husband Adron of Fredericksburg Va., Paul Hitt and wife Angelena of Culpeper, VA , Denna Hitt of Culpeper, VA, Kayla and Jenna Robey both of Castleton, VA, great grandchildren Deje’ Hitt, Jazmine Hitt, Jada Hitt, Devin Mosley, Adron Hatcher, Lauryn Hitt, Paul Hitt Jr., and multiple generations of nieces ,nephews, cousins and friends whom he held dear. Special thanks to Rena Mae Jenkins, Courtney Atkins and Hospice of the Piedmont for their donation of time and care for Downing, it meant so much to us. The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 15, 2015 from 6 PM to 8PM at Found & Sons Funeral Chapel, 800 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 11 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 4160 Rixeyville Rd., Jeffersonton, VA. Reverend Carl Menefee will officiate. Pallbearers are Bobby Bailey, Clyde Bennett, Henry Jenkins, Richard Faulkner, Joshua Robey, Charlie Taylor, Bobby Timbers and Rick Wood. Memorial contributions may be made in Downing’s memory to Hospice of Piedmont, c/o Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, S-300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or Castleton Community Volunteer Fire Department, CCVFD, 593 Castleton View Rd., Castleton, VA 22716. Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.

Downing Wood Hitt

September 17, 1929 - April 14, 2015