Walt Ditto Jr. (9-1-23) service 9-6-23

Walt Ditto Jr., 69, of Sardis, formerly of Savannah, passed away on Friday, Sept. 1, in Memphis. He was born on Aug. 31, 1954, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Walter Ditto Sr. and Lola Adell Smith Ditto.

On July 5, 1972, Walt married Sue Ann Clark. They shared a beautiful journey together until her passing on Oct. 21, 2017.

At the young age of 19, Walt embarked on his towboat career with Southern Towing Company. Over the course of his impressive 49-year career on the river, he worked diligently for Ingram Barge for 20 years and then Marquette Transportation for 15 years. Walt ultimately returned to Southern Devall as captain for the last 13 years before retiring from the wheelhouse on the M/V Laura Tamble.

When he wasn’t navigating the river’s currents, Walt found joy in tinkering with cars and indulging in his love for spending money. Nevertheless, his true passion lay within his work on the river. However, above all else, Walt cherished his beloved wife Sue and adored his grandchildren.

He leaves behind a legacy through his children and grandchildren; two sons, who followed in his footsteps on the river, Doug Ditto of Adamsville, and Michael Ditto and wife Sinda of Morris Chapel; two daughters, Melissa May of Michie, and Britney Ditto of Nashville; six loving grandchildren, Kyla, Taya, Haeden, Isabelle, Alisabeth and John-Luke; as well as a multitude of extended family members and a supportive work family.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Ronnie, Larry, and Danny Ditto; and two sisters, Deanna Ditto Alley and Martha Ann White.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Adamsville, with David Weatherford officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association.