Lynn James Bitting was born on January 20, 1947, in Winston-Salem, NC to Margaret Byers Bitting and James Miller, who both preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, LaShawnda Morrison; sisters, LaDonna Clark and Andrea James; brothers, Grady Byers and Barry Bitting; sister-in-law, Celestie Byers; brother-in-law, James Blake; and maternal grandparents, Amos & Eliza Byers. Lynn went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

Lynn was affectionately known by everyone as "LJ" from a young age.  He attended public schools in Winston-Salem and graduated from Anderson High School in 1965.  He went to Winston-Salem State University and excelled in both baseball and football.  As a young adult, he played with two traveling minor league baseball teams, the Winston-Salem As and the Winston-Salem Indians.  He was drafted at 18 years old and spent most of his tour in Germany and was honorably discharged from the Army.  Lynn was employed by R.J. Reynolds Tabacco Company and later worked for Archer, a division of R.J. Reynolds, where he retired after 30 years of combined service.

He married Marie Bitting on June 25, 1988.  She was his devoted wife and always by his side during his fight with Long Covid for the past 4 years.  Her unwavering dedication and affection for him and his care was a remarkable testament to her compassion and the never-ending love they had for one another.

Lynn accepted Christ at a very young age and was baptized at Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a member until the Lord called him home.  At Rising Ebenezer, he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Wednesday Night Bible Study Teacher.  He loved his church and worked tirelessly by serving in multiple capacities.

Lynn was a passionate learner, and the importance of education was instilled in him at an early age.  He took his role as Sunday School and Bible Study Teacher seriously and studied to show himself approved as God instructs us to do in 2 Timothy 2:15.   He imparted wisdom and knowledge to those he met.  He always had a kind word to say or loving suggestion to give to those who needed advice.   There wasn't anything that someone would ask of Lynn that he would not jump right on to help.

Lynn was well known in the community. He was a long-time member of the Sophisticated Gents Club and served as the President.  Lynn organized the Annual Turkey Bowl, a community football game, in Happy Hill Gardens.  Over the years, he had many business ventures such as being co-owner of Jason's Place and owner of Friday's Child.

The value of family was always in the forefront of his mind.  Many family traditions were started by his mother, and he did his part to ensure that the traditions lived on.  There are countless occasions of family vacations, reunions, graduations, birthdays, weddings, and holidays we celebrated all together.  He was always the driver for all out-of-town trips.  Many years ago, he promised his mother that he would look after his brothers and sisters.  He took that promise earnestly.  There wasn't a time that he was called that he didn't come. No matter the capacity he was needed in, he always showed up for family.  After his sister-in-law passed away, Lynn and Marie spent many years caring for his brother, Grady.

He leaves to cherish memories his wife, Marie Bitting of Kernersville, NC; children, Dorez (Sharon) Thomas of Belews Creek, NC, Marchello Bitting, Kenya (Ivan) Lowery, and Daiarian Thomas all of Winston-Salem, NC,  Kishma Treadwell of Lansdowne, PA, A'Torian Bitting of Louisville, KY,  Meaihaunist Bitting of Canton, GA, and Vanita (Stanton) Stevens of Fuquay-Varina, NC; grandchildren, Jewaun, Takia (Jaquan), Jamil (Cady), Shawn, U'Miyah, Ma'Sasha, Jakeem, Mau'quel, Sharnequa, Shyla, Abbey, Aniyah, Adalyn, Sariyah, Ke'nari, Amiyah, Falynn, Marlei, Stanton, LaShawnda, and Landon; great-grandchildren,  Brooklyn, Kristian, Kamden, Kaiden, Karee, Kylin, Kadence, Chase, and Cameron; a devoted niece, Bridgett (Isaac) Pitts; sisters-in-law, Wilhelmena (George) Friday and Joann Blake; brothers-in-law, Donald Clark, Bobby James, and William (Patricia) Moore; Godchildren, Stacey Alston, Irshad Martin, and Rashawn Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, May 3, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.  The family visitation will be held from 1:00pm until 2:00pm on Sarturday at the Church. Interment will be held at 9:00am Monday, May 6, 2024 in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.