Joseph Morgan Witcher

Joseph Morgan Witcher, born on February 28, 1925, in Cedartown, Georgia, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 22, 2023. He was the fifth of six children born to the late John and Pearl Lenora Spurgeon. He was later adopted by George Witcher. Raised on a farm cultivating pecans, eggplants, and various fruits and vegetables, Joe cherished his upbringing. Preceding him in death were his siblings Georgia, Eula, Marguerite, Sanford, and Robert. A celebrated athlete during his time at Cedar Hill High School, Joe excelled in basketball as the team's point guard, stood out as a catcher and pitcher in baseball, and led the football team as the quarterback. His determination shone brightly when he took on the quarterback role during a crucial game, despite a serious hip injury, earning him the nickname "Hard Meat." Joe graduated from Cedar Hill High School in 1943. In July 1944, he was inducted into the US Army during World War II, where he served as a Quartermaster Mail Clerk primarily in France. Joe was honorably discharged in 1946. Joe pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's Degree in accounting from North Carolina A&T College. Relocating to Washington, D.C. in 1949, he embarked on a distinguished career in civilian federal service, starting with the US Postal Service and later transitioning to the Internal Revenue Service. In D.C., Joe met Zula O’Neal, whom he married on December 1, 1957. Joe was a loving husband and devoted father to their two children, Janet Savwoir and Jerrold Witcher. He was preceded in death by Zula on August 5, 2019. While at IRS, Joe held various roles, including Federal Treasury Agent, Auditor, and Senior Auditor (Supervisor). As a Senior Auditor, he became the first African American to hold the position of supervisor in IRS history. He was called upon annually to appear on a local television call-in show during tax season, as an onsite income tax expert. He retired from federal service in 1980. Joe’s hobbies included listening to jazz music, softball, electronics, tennis, bowling, and working on cars. He was a proud member of the Bachelor Benedict Club in Washington, D.C., for over 50 years. Joe’s passion, however, was golf. He started playing golf in the 1960s, playing every weekend while employed, then every day after he retired. He became a “scratch golfer” (no handicap). Joe traveled the world with his beloved Zula. They visited The Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, and Canada where they formed lasting memories. Domestically, they visited nearly every one of the United States. Joe's memory will be cherished by his loving children, Janet and Jerrold (Robyn); grandchildren Toussaint (Winta) and Nicholas (Tiera) Savwoir; great-grandchildren King and Delina; sister-in-law, Cora O. Dixon; many nieces and nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

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Joseph Morgan Witcher

February 28, 1925 - December 22, 2023