IVOR — Lannie Morris Chitwood, 67, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, surrounded by his family who loved him so very much. He died at Duke Hospital after a 10-year battle that he won with Mesothelioma.

Born in Martinsville, Virginia, he lived most of his young life in Collinsville, Virginia, and his adult life in Ivor, Virginia.
Lannie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Linda Holden Chitwood; a son, Mark Landon Chitwood and wife, Sara, of Ivor; his daughter, Alison Chitwood Peters and husband, Daniel, of Hollywood, Maryland; as well as seven grandchildren, whom he called his “babies” and loved with all his heart: Jocelyn, Jackson, Haleigh, Audrey, Tristan, Beau and a new grandbaby on the way.
He also is survived by his brother, Gary Chitwood, and his sister, Debbie Hundley.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Datie and A.P. Chitwood, of Collinsville.
Lannie graduated from Fieldale-Collinsville High School in 1967. He later went to Ferrum College and then graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in biology in 1972.
After teaching biology at Laurel Park High School for four years, he became a Virginia State Game warden in 1976, where he was assigned to Southampton County. Lannie and Linda made their home in Ivor and raised their children there. He retired in 2006 after 30 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Lannie was an avid boater, always loved hunting, especially deer and turkey, fishing for anything that would bite and the outdoors. He loved to watch football and cheered for the Hokies. He never met a stranger and was a very respected game warden in the community. He was president of Chitwood Hunt Club.
The real loves of his life were his precious grandchildren. He loved being PePa to Jackson, Haleigh, Audrey, Beau, Jo and Tristan.
He attended Millfield Baptist Church.
The family wants to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers over this 10-year battle. We also thank Dr. David Harpole, Dr. Jeffery Crawford, Susan Blackwell PA and Dr. Christopher Kelsey for their expert medical care at Duke University. Their care was compassionate and innovative.
Lannie was one of the longest-living Mesothelioma survivors. He was diagnosed in 2007 with Stage 4 Mesothelioma. Our family is very thankful for the 10 years we were given with Lannie. We ask that you remember Lannie in his full, vibrant health because that is what we remember.
We gladly welcome all friends, family and acquaintances to his visitation, which will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, in R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home, 11414 General Mahone Highway, Wakefield, Virginia.
The celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, in Millfield Baptist Church, 31389 Millfield Road, Wakefield, with burial shortly thereafter at the church. True to PePa’s love for children, there will be a nursery available at the church during the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation 1317 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314; or donate online at www.curemeso.org.
Condolences may be posted at www.rwbakerfh.com.