Burkett Levon Witt of Athens, TN, faithful member of St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, departed this life on August 11, 2023, at the age of 97. A man of strong faith, humility, love, and joy, he served communities near and far until the latter years of his life.
Born May 26, 1926, he was the youngest child of the 10 children of Henry and Mary Bell Witt. Burkett’s parents instilled in him the doctrine that honesty, hard work, and faith in God would enable him to achieve whatever he desired. Despite the ever-present racial bias that he confronted during his childhood, youth, and much of his adulthood, he didn’t allow menial jobs, segregated schools, unequal pay, unfair housing practices, or any of the many acts he confronted, to block his path to achievement.
During World War II. at the age of 18, Burkett joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years. It was during this time when assigned as a cook at the naval hospital, that he began developing his culinary skills. Following his discharge from the service, he was hired at Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) to manage the food service department. Burkett developed lasting relationships with faculty, students, and staff. He also worked with students in both the Youth for Christ and Campus Life programs of TWU. He expanded his culinary network, cooking for various restaurants and continuing to hone his skills. Later, with his devoted wife, Mildred, he became an entrepreneur, launching a janitorial service and then two “Burkett’s Barbeque” restaurants. His twin gifts of making friends and cooking good food propelled him to the top of his life’s goals.
Burkett was concerned about the racial strife in Athens and sought to understand and determine how the hatred and bigotry that existed could possibly be changed. He decided that attending city council meetings might enable him to get some answers and direction in addressing the problem. He then ran for city council – and lost. But that loss didn’t deter him, and he ran again. The win of his second race would be repeated seven times resulting in his serving 33 years. Athens City Council Chambers were renamed the Burkett L. Witt Council Chambers in his honor. He would go on to be elected the city’s, and be among the state’s, first Black mayor in recent times, serving 1983-1985. He was appointed to the Human Relations Committee, which brainstormed ways to bring integration into the community. Other appointments would follow, including serving on the Board of Directors for McMinn County Savings and Loan, and the Athens Utility Board. The former mayor of Bradley County (TN), who had known Burkett when he was a student at TWU said, “Burkett probably did as much for civil rights in McMinn County as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for the nation.”
In 2014, Burkett was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Tennessee Wesleyan University, on the same day that his grandson, Joshua Bragg, received his undergraduate degree from TWU. Graduate and former students at the university established a scholarship in Burkett’s and Mildred’s honor. One of them wrote a song about his life, another wrote and published his biography, and numerous students submitted letters of acclamation in his honor. Anyone staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites will find their stay on Burkett Witt Boulevard.
Throughout his life, Burkett lived what he spoke, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.” He served St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church (Athens) untiringly, for most of his life. His wife, Mildred, was the pianist. As chair of the Trustee Board, he made sure that everything was in order and ran smoothly; he also served as chair of the Lay Council. Burkett was the Varick Christian Endeavor (VCE) leader for many years. His humility, selflessness, love, and generosity touched countless lives, as he led, guided, encouraged, and supported many.
Mildred preceded him in death in 2000 after 55 years of marriage. He leaves to celebrate his memory and life a daughter, Gwendolyn Witt McCowan; sons, Harold Witt {Linda), and Brian Witt; grandchildren, Lori Royal (Louie), Pamela McCowan, Dr. Reginald Witt, Candice and Crystal Witt, Destinee Witt, S. Fitzgerald Haney; great-grandchildren, Joshua L. Bragg (Katie), Trey Royal (Kelsey), Kyla Royal Martin (Nick); great-great-grandchildren, Leyonah Royal, Malakai Royal, and Stella Bragg, and many, many other relatives and friends.
