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John Henry Withers

  • April 13, 1922 - October 3, 2011
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Memories & Candles

“To the Withers family - I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I really didn't know your dad, but I felt like I did through some stories...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Susan Winters - Virginia Beach, VA

“Pete and Mary, I'd like to add my condolences to the many. Please accept my genuine sympathies. ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Michael Maloney - Virginia Beach, VA

“XO John Henry Withers. It was my honor and pleasure to have served with LTCDR Withers and miss him as we lost another fine officer and hero to our...Read More » ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: Darryl T. smith - Houston, TX

“I had the honor and pleasure of surving with LCDR Withers aboard the USS Harlan County. Thanks for his service to his country. ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: David Jones - Chillicothe, OH

“XO Fair winds and following seas. Tom Lynskey, 1972 USS Harlan County ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Tom Lynskey - St Marys, OH

“Pete, Mary, Josh, Megan, Ryan, Blaire, Jamie I am sorry for your loss ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Harry Jackson - Virginia Beach, VA

“I served with LTCRD John Henry Withers from April 1972 until he left the ship in 1973. I did not get the chance to see or talk to to the LTCDR being...Read More » ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: David Butts - Mountain Home, AR

“I served under John Henry on the The Harlan County, there was never a tougher or fairer Officer in the Fleet. My sypathy to the family and to his...Read More » ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Joe Castelli - Bayshore, NY

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve from the loss of a loved one. I was proud to serve under Mr. Withers as part of...Read More » ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Ronald Bowles - Benton City, WA

“Thoughts and prayers go out to all the Withers family, Carol ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: Carol Waugh - Knoxville, TN

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your loved one, John Henry. I served as his yeoman on the USS Harlan County (LST 1196...Read More » ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Phillip Whitney - Virginia Beach, VA

“Not only was he my xo, but he served with my father on the enterprise during wwll. Dad barely remembered jh, but I feel very honored to have served...Read More » ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: BM3 Paul Carroll USS Harlan County 1972-1974 - TX

“To Lieutenant Commander Withers' sons and daughter, I offer my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I served with John Henry in USS Harlan...Read More » ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: Edward L. Powers - Virginia Beach, VA

“Robin and Frank: Am so sorry to hear of your loss. Robin you were one of my special girls from Bayside to work for me. Teresa Cherry is the other...Read More » ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: Edna M. Ford - Virginia Beach, VA


John Henry Withers, 89, passed away October 3, 2011, in a Virginia Beach Hospital. He was born the son of Virgil and Naomi Withers in Rogers, Arkansas on April 13, 1922. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Blanche Mamie Evans Withers. John retired from the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander after 31 years of service to his country. His combat duty included four years aboard the USS Enterprise during World War II, two years in the Korean War, and two years in the Vietnam War. John received numerous medals during his 31 years of military service including the Asiatic-Pacific Medal 19 stars, National Defense Service Medal, 7 stars Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is survived by two sons, Henry L. Withers and friend Xin, and Stover (Pete) Withers and wife Mary; a daughter, Robin Withers Smith and husband Franklin; three grandsons, Christopher Withers and wife Stefanie, Josh Withers and wife Megan, and Ryan Withers and wife Blaire; a granddaughter, Jaime Withers; and four great grandchildren, Jacob, Hannah, Emma and Brielle. The family wishes to thank the staff of King Grant House and the doctors and nurses at Sentara Virginia Beach General for the quality care and compassion given to John during his stay with them. A private interment will be at Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach, VA. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.