Daniel “Dan” Melvin Witt, Sr. passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025, at the age of 77, surrounded by family in Jacksonville, Florida.

Born on January 15, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, Dan attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional student-athlete. A standout multi-sport competitor, he earned All-Metro and All-League recognition and was celebrated for both talent and character, including receiving the Brother Eugene Award honoring the “Outstanding Gentleman, Scholar, and Athlete.” He made school history as the first freshman to earn a spot on the varsity basketball team, was known for his exceptional shooting and remarkable 42-inch vertical, and once scored 53 points in a game before the three-point line existed.

Dan continued his basketball career at High Point College (now High Point University), where he was named All-Conference and later earned All-District and All-American honors his senior year. He still holds multiple records at High Point, including ranking in the top ten for career points scored.

In 1968, Dan married the girl next door, Jean Marie Mechlinski, beginning a lifelong partnership. After graduating from High Point, he built a successful career in sales with Campbell’s, Tyson Foods, Gorton’s, and ultimately Southern Wine & Spirits. Early in his career, while living in North Carolina, Dan traveled extensively refereeing ACC basketball games. He and Jean later settled in Jacksonville, where they raised their family and remained for the rest of his life.

Dan and Jean were longtime parishioners at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach, where they formed cherished friendships. Tennis became their shared pastime, with Dan playing for many years. His love of sports never faded—he carried the discipline, grit, and teamwork learned on the court into every season of life. Dan coached numerous teams, including Boys & Girls Club basketball and Jax Beach Little League at Wingate Park, and his passion for tennis became a meaningful part of his family’s life as well.

He was a steady presence in the stands at his children’s and grandchildren’s games and built his life around the people he loved. He was proudest not of his accolades, but of the family he helped shape and support.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his sons Daniel, Jr. (Devon), David (Julie), and Kevin (Lori); his 11 grandchildren—Hannah, Sandon, Baelin, Preston, Andrew, Tanner, Ella, Ava, Skyler, Cullen, and Ripken; and his sister, Mary Christine Witt Lunsford (Joe). He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Daniel Witt.

A service to celebrate Dan’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257, in his memory.