A Life Story

William Stroud Hitch (Bill), a Savannah native and resident of Isle of Hope, passed away at home on Sunday January 5th, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Lucy McIntire Hitch, their two children, Sarah Nixon (Julian) and James Hitch (Summer). Six grandchildren, Clarrisa, William, Annabella Nixon and Lucy, Rosemary, and William Hitch; his sister Sarah Hitch Hill (Harvey), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Preceded in death by his sister Shelton Brooke Anderson. There will be a graveside service at Bonaventure Cemetery on Monday January 13th, followed by a reception at the Chatham Club.Dr. Hitch was the son of Mayor Robert Mark Hitch and Mildred Shelton Brooke. Born on May 16th, 1939, in Savannah Ga. Later he spent most of his childhood in Atlanta. He graduated from the Darlington School for Boys in Rome, Ga. in 1957, followed by Yale University in 1961. While at Yale, he was chosen as one of fifteen class members tapped to join St. Elmo, a senior secret society. Dr. Hitch received a medical degree from Emory University in 1966. Upon receiving his MD, Dr. Hitch volunteered for service in Vietnam and was selected for Special Forces. From 1967-1969 Dr. Hitch served as a Captain with the 46th Special Forces, and the 5th Special Forces Green Berets in Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, RVN Gallantry Cross, and a master parachute badge among other awards. Following the war, he returned to Savannah and completed two residencies, General Surgery Residency at Memorial Medical Center and Cardio/Vascular and Thoracic Residency at the Medical College of Georgia Augusta. In 1975 Dr. Hitch opened his own surgical practice serving at all three of the Savannah hospitals. Following many successful years, Dr. Hitch was hired by Candler Hospital and named as Chairman of Surgery, Chairman of Emergency Medicine, Director of Critical Care Services and Vice-President of Outpatient Services at Candler Hospital; even receiving the Physicians of the Year Award in 1992. He was a member of the Georgia State Board of Medical Examiners, the Vice-Chairman of Medical Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Surgical Credentials Committee. After 30 years of surgery, Dr. Hitch left Candler hospital and opened Industrial Health Care on Hodgeson Memorial Drive where he worked until his retirement at age 76. In addition to medicine, Dr. Hitch also engaged in a variety of entrepreneurial activities, buying various restaurants and partnering in developments like Bells Landing and Key Airlines. Notably, he was involved with the building of the Sanford International Airport in Florida, which he owned until its sale in 1996. Dr. Hitch is also said to have spoken or read 5 languages.Along the way, Dr. Hitch belonged to numerous clubs and organizations such as, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Medical Society, New York Academy of Science, the General Society of Colonial Wars, Debtors Club, Chatham Club, Oglethorpe Club, and Savannah Yacht Club. When not working or reading, Dr. Hitch could usually be found at the 1790 Restaurant discussing political and social issues with friends.Dr. Hitch purchased his property at Isle of Hope in 1977 and had been receiving care at home since January of 2024. Special thanks to Eric Wright, Torri Elmore, and all the nurses and doctors at St. Josephs/Candler. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to be made to St. Josephs/Candler Hospital or Humane Society.A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Bonaventure Cemetery.