John Mark Chittum, 59, passed away peacefully Sunday Sept. 9, 2012, at his son’s home in Morgantown. He was a resident of Clay City and a former resident of Brown County. At his side was his loving wife of 39 years, Shirley L. (Patterson) Chittum, whom he married Dec. 3, 1972, in Martinsville.
Also at his side were his three sons, Robert (Mandy) and Bradley Chittum, both of Morgantown, and Travis Chittum of Franklin. John was proud grandfather to Jonathan, Zachary, Gracie, Justin, Wesley, Renee, Victoria and Brooklyn. He will be remembered by his two sisters, Betty Thomas of Winston Salem, N.C., and Nona Denny of Franklin; a brother, Ridgely (Joyce) Chittum of Clay City; and several nieces and nephews.
John was born Dec. 17, 1952, in Lexington, Va., in the same house where Stonewall Jackson lived. His parents were the late Arthur G. and Evelyn Christina (Muterspaw) Chittum. He served as a private first class with the United States Army National Guard from 1970-1976.
John worked in construction as a drywall finisher for more than 38 years. He was a member of Clay City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6606, American Legion Post 0225, Bean Blossom Baptist Church and was a former member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Trafalgar. John was a fan of NASCAR, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart being his favorite drivers. He enjoyed spending time in the woods hunting deer and mushrooms. John enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
The Chittum family will receive friends at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry St. in Morgantown from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12. The Rev. James Brown will conduct a funeral service at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 at the funeral home. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown, with military graveside rites presented by Martinsville American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars honor guards.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be made to the Chittum family at meredith-clark.com