Lovell Allen “Al” Witt, affectionately known to his grandchildren as “PawPaw,” of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on September 20, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on February 24, 1935, in Nitro, West Virginia, Al was the son of the late Lovell Lloyd Witt and Louisa Marie Goodall Witt. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Johnnie Bill Witt, Donna Witt Null, Judith “Judy” Nichols, and his grandson, Robert D. Sanders.

Al is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Mary Lou Witt, and their loving family: Son Jeffrey Allen Witt and his wife Elizabeth Witt of Kempsville, VA, and their children Jacob Witt and Katherine Witt; daughter Lou Ann Miller and her husband Donald Miller of Wardensville, WV, and their children Alicia Sanders and wife Erana Price-Sanders, with great-granddaughters Calliope and Tamsin Sanders, and Rosa Miller and great-granddaughter, Aubriauna Marquess; daughter Vickie Dearing and her husband Cody Dearing of Winchester, VA, and their children Witt Dearing and Dru Dearing; daughter Dawn Sayre and her husband Bobby Sayre of Kitty Hawk, NC.

Al graduated from Poca High School in Poca, WV, in 1953. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from West Virginia University in 1957 and later, in 1972, a Master of Education from Frostburg State College. That same year, he and Mary Lou celebrated their love of dancing by earning a “Bachelor of Square Dancing” together, a fitting tribute to the joy they found side by side on the dance floor.

A lifelong supporter of 4H, Al began his involvement as a child and continued for decades as a youth leader and proud alumnus. In his younger years, he famously hitchhiked from Nitro, WV, to Wardensville, WV, to serve as a camp leader at Camp Pinnacle. He also spent time as a camp instructor at Camp Keewaydin in Vermont. He saved every piece of 4H memorabilia, even from the age of 13, a testament to how deeply those experiences shaped him. Summers were always a great adventure in Al’s eyes.

Al dedicated more than 30 years of his life to teaching in Gary, Indiana, and Williamsport, Maryland. His passion for sports carried into coaching many different teams, though his greatest legacy was in wrestling. His devotion to his athletes earned him recognition in both the Maryland and National Wrestling Halls of Fame, where he is remembered not only for his success but for his unwavering care for the children he coached.

Beyond his work in the classroom and on the mats, Al was a gifted and prolific artist. Painting nearly his entire life, he was especially known for his striking depictions of barns, rural landscapes, and his beloved trees. His work captured the quiet beauty of nature and the spirit of the places he loved most. Over the years, Al shared his paintings at art shows across the region, earning admiration for both his talent and his generous spirit. His artwork now hangs in countless homes, where it continues to bring joy and inspiration. Painting was more than a hobby for Al; it was a lifelong calling, a way he expressed his creativity, and a gift he shared freely with others. Those who knew him will also remember his silly antics, his ornery smile, his amazing head of hair, and his reputation as a jokester who could light up any room.

As his family grew, Al found his greatest joy in being “PawPaw” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After a lifetime of coaching, mentoring, and giving selflessly to so many, his heart overflowed watching his own family grow. Above all, Al cherished the 68 years he shared with his beloved Mary Lou. Their love never wavered, but grew stronger with every passing year, serving as a lasting example of devotion, partnership, and joy.

Al’s life was one of laughter, service, creativity, and love. His legacy will continue in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

A graveside service will be held for Al on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 1pm at Panorama Memorial Gardens in Strasburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Al to 4-H at 4-h.org or 4-H of Frederick County, 107 North Kent St., 2nd Floor, Winchester, VA 22601.