Birkitt Jr., John Edward

John Edward Birkitt, Jr., 28, of Christiansburg, Va., formerly of Glen Allen, Va., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 13, 2007.

He is survived by his parents, John E. and Brenda D. Birkitt; as well as his sister, Joy Birkitt Mays, her husband Doug, and their two daughters, Kaylee and Kamrynn. He is also survived by aunts, Jeannie Birkitt Deeb (William) and Jimi Birkitt; and uncles, Joel Birkitt, James Birkitt, Jr., Robert Witherspoon (Carol) and Claude Eugene Witherspoon. He loved his many cousins, Jeremy, Jessie and Jami Birkitt, Mackenzie Birkitt, Janie Combs and Bruce Witherspoon. Survivors also include his paternal grandparents, Dr. James N. and Carol K. Birkitt. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Nan R. Traylor and Rawling G. Davenport.

Johnny was a wonderful son, big brother, uncle and true friend to all he crossed paths with. Johnny leaves behind many, many friends he was a true friend and he loved you all. Johnny was a 1996 graduate of Hermitage High School, a 2000 graduate of Virginia Tech and a 2005 graduate of Virginia Tech’s Master Program. He was employed by WebMail.US in Christiansburg, Va.

A celebration of Johnny’s life will be held during his funeral services at Bliley Funeral Homes’ Staples Mill Chapel, 8510 Staples Mill Road, held on Thursday, January 18, at 12 noon. His grandfather, Dr. James N. Birkitt, will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery, Ruther Glen, Va., located on US Rt. 1, 28 miles north of Richmond.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross/ Katrina Rebuilding or an animal shelter of your choice.