COLUMBIA - Graveside service for Alan H. Witten, 72, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2015, in Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia, N.C. A memorial service will also be held Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 11:30 A.M. at Beth Shalom Synagogue. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.
Mr. Witten died Tuesday, January 20, 2015. Born in Gastonia, N.C., he was a son of the late Jules Witten and Madalyn Schneider Witten. He graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the TEP fraternity. Mr. Witten was the owner of Witten Sales and worked in insurance at Banker’s Life. He served as president of Beth Shalom Synagogue and was a member of Chabad of South Carolina.
Surviving are his son, Justin Derrick of Huntersville, N.C.; and his sister, Phyllis Beckowitz (Ira) of Ardsley, N.Y.
Memorials may be made to Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 N. Trenholm Road, Columbia SC 29206 or Chabad of South Carolina, 2509 Decker Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29206.
Mack Spurrier
I was shocked to hear about Alan's passing. What a great friend he was. I remember going to Alan's house when we got out of school because of snow and having a great party. Also remember fun times together with the boys club.
My sympathy goes out to his family.
Mack Spurrier
Betti Smith (Krapfl)
I too, remember Alan's smile, quick wit and smooth dancing. He always seemed to take things in stride.
When we were at Chapel Hill, he laughed when Walter Long would make me peanut butter sandwiches and bring them to me on his golf cart.
What a loss!
Alan, I know you are at peace, probably dancing with the angels. Shagging?
Betti
Jeannie Lewis (Phillips)
So sorry to hear about Alan passing away. He was a very dear person and I guess we will all be following him pretty soon. Love and prayers to his family. Jeannie Lewis
Joan Gibson (Drayton-Coffey)
I am so sorry to read about Alan. I always thought alots of him as a classmate.
Nancy McCluney (Brunnemer)
So very sorry to hear about Alan's passing. He was a nice and funny person to be around.
Harold (Hal) Stacey
It just seamed like yesterday that I was talking with Alan at the First Methodist Church Friday night at a after game social in the fall of 1961. At that time he was a student at UNC. I did not know that would the last time we would meet and that is a shame. Rest in peace, Alan.Hal (Harold) Stacey, your classmate and friend.
Beverly Riley (Marlow)
Little did I know when I decided to repeat Geometry in hopes of a much better grade that I'd have an on-going comedy team sitting right behind me for those 9 months. The team of Alan Witten and Harry Petrey kept me in stitches the entire time. Sadly, Alan's now among the others who will be sorely missed by the many who enjoyed their company. Farewell, my friend.
Beverly
Gayle Gordon (Petrey)
With his contagious smile and winning personality, what's not to love about this dear man. But I remember most of all his kindness and genuine interest in whomever he was talking to, even me, who could hardly be called a close friend. The first thing I am going to do when I see him in heven, is ask him to dance. Never got to dance with him but admired from across the room a few times. If St Peter is standing at the Pearly Gates, being fellow Jews, he surely kissed him on both cheeks and gave him a man hug, welcoming him to his forever home. My belated but heartfelt sympathies to all the family. Our hearts hurr with you in your sorrow. Sometime soon I hope, you will be comforted by remembering his legacy to us his classmates at AHS.
Nick Mentavlos
I knew Allen since grammer school days. Funny, I had thought of him recently because I did not recall seeing him at the last reunion, or maybe two. He was indeed a special person and I pray for his soul. Rest in peace old friend.
Nick Mentavlos
Scotty Wise (Price)
Once again, the first thoughts of Alan when I read of his passing was his big smile, or rather that silly, sweet grin when he asked me for help with his history homework or told me of a fun trip he had made to UGA. I have good memories of the classes we had together. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.