Kenneth Ray Witt was born January 26, 1950 in Ft Worth, TX to Kenneth Wayne and Dorothy Witt. He passed into heaven on February 14, 2023 at the age of 73.
Kenny Ray, as his family called him, was raised by his grandparents Coleman Frank and Pauline Grace Witt.
He spent his childhood in East Fort Worth attending Tandy Elementary and Meadowbrook Junior High. He was a member of Sagamore Hill Baptist Church where he enjoyed singing in the Choir. Kenny (Ken) moved to Mansfield to live with his father where he attended Mansfield High School. Ken was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he met and married his wife, Shirley Ann Long.
In 1969, Ken joined the Navy wanting to serve his country. However, due to a medical issue he was honorably discharged after boot camp.
Ken, like his father, grandfather and many in the Witt family, worked in construction as a diesel mechanic and was regarded as one of the finest in his field. When Ken wasn’t working to provide for his family, he enjoyed hunting, archery, fishing, and antique cars.
Hunting and archery were lifelong passions for Ken, that began at an early age which culminated in 1994 when he opened Arlington Bowhunting World. He taught thousands of people how to shoot a bow. Ken was a master bow technician. He tuned and prepared bows for many local, state and national champions.
Ken served on the board of Texas Field Archery Association for over 40 years. Another part of Ken’s legacy is the time he spent as an official measurer for several big game record keeping organizations. Ken was an official measurer and panel judge for Boone and Crockett, and Pope and Young, as well as an official measurer and Regional Director for Buckmasters. Ken was also on the Records Committee of North America.
Recently Ken was involved in scoring the new world record, non-typical whitetail deer, not the first in his career.
As he entered retirement Ken’s love of classic cars re-emerged. In 2015, he purchased a 1956 Chevrolet Bellaire, similar to his original hot rod, then later added a 1937 Ford slant back coupe. Ken also enjoyed bird watching.
Ken and Shirley attended Christ Chapel Bible Church in Burleson. With his knowledge and generosity, Ken has touched and had an impact on many lives.
Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents, Coleman Frank Witt and Pauline, father Kenneth Wayne Witt and his wife Mary, mother Dorothy Thompson, in-laws Ray and Betty Long. Ken is survived by his wife of 53 years Shirley Witt, son Kevin Lynn Witt and wife April, daughter Shanna Witt Sikkes and husband Steven, grandchildren, Daniel Witt, Hannah Lee and husband Devin, Abigail Sikkes, Molly Sikkes, Joseph Witt and wife Brooklyn, Bridget Sikkes, Colton Sikkes and Travis Sikkes, great grandchildren Hunny Lee, Winnie Lee and Nova Witt, siblings, Johnny Coleman Witt and wife Evelyn, Terrie Lynn Brown and husband Junior, Danny Wayne Witt and wife Tammy, Evianne Grace Dubois and husband Henry and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ken’s name to the Christ Chapel Bible Church Burleson, 390 N Burleson Blvd., and Texas Field Archery Association, 1823 Yosemite Way, Longview, TX 75605.
Celebration of Life will be at Christ Chapel Bible Church Burleson on Sunday February 26, at 3 PM. 390 N. Burleson Blvd., Burleson, TX 76028
Cremation arrangements by Lone Star Cremation.
Billy & Kathy Roberts
Our sorrow for the loss of our dear Kenny Ray, but he is no longer suffering and is in heaven celebrating with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There, he is reunited with our son, who he lovingly called Willie “Ray” (Will) and treated like his own son, and remembering good times with all loved ones gone before him. We love the entire Witt family as they are in our hearts forever. Play that wonderful domino game of Moon, Ken. We will remember all the laughs we had playing Moon with you and Shirley. With much love and dear memories, Billy “Ray” & Kathy “Ray” Roberts
Evianne
Will miss you big brother. So grateful for the new brother /sister relationship over that last 13 years. We will always have our Taekwondo history together. Thank you for loving me, your baby sister Evianne
Dave Murray
Ken Witt was more of a brother to me than just a friend. We hunted and fished in Canada and USA. Scored countless deer together.
His friendship helped me many times and I appreciate the opportunity to have shared time together.
Blessing to Shirley and family my prayers with you all.
Steve Rowe
Condolences to Shirley and the entire Witt family . Ken was larger than life !! I will cherish all the adventures we shared . Ken was a mentor, close friend, (unrelated family) I Always respected the Man he was and his many accomplishments. His knowledge in multiple fields was endless. Ken Witt was a Man’s , Man . Rest easy my friend till we meet again. (True Texas Legend)
Cathy Martin
so sorry shirley for your loss love you and your family
Mary Kay Catino
He will be remembered and always loved! He is where he wanted to be now. We are so sorry for yours and others’ loss ! Prayers to all of you !
Lovingly and with deepest sympathy,
Tony and Mary Kay Catino
Billie DeView
Praying for each of you to receive comfort during this sad time and rejoicing with you as you celebrate the life you shared on earth . Embrace each other and smile as you share memories of a man you loved.
Judy, Allen, Tania, and Dusty friends the Browns
The Lord said to Mr. Witt. Let’s go its time buddy. May God be with all the his family.
Kari Phillips
Sending Prayers for Shirley Witt and Family my thoughts and prayers are with her and her Family
Love you , Shirley Witt
Jack A. Pedersen DC
Ken was a dear friend and mentor to me for over 30 years. I knew him well. He was an honorable and intelligent man who strove to be the best he could in all things related to archery, hunting, wildlife preservation, family, friends and God. I pray for God’s comfort and blessings to his wife Shirley, daughter Shanna, son Kevin and his extended family.