Capt. Christopher Withers

Capt. Christopher Withers, 77, of 50 Bliss Mine Road, Middletown, RI, died Thursday, December 27, 2007 at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. He was the husband of Donnis Stiles Withers. Born in Port Washington, NY on October 12, 1930, he was the son of the late Loris A. and Fluerette Raceo Withers. Mr. Withers was a 1952 graduate of Duke University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Chris later received a Masters from American University and further graduate work at the University of Illinois. He entered the US Navy after school and served as a Naval aviator and retired as Captain after 30 years. His last assignment was as director of the Naval Command College at the US Naval War College in Newport. Through this position he forged relationships with officers from around the world and traveled the globe. Chris was an active board member and volunteer in the Newport sailing community with various organizations including Sail Newport, Rhode Island State Yachting Committee, the Blind Sailing Association, and the Shields Fleet 9 of Newport. Chris was also the former Commodore of the Coasters Harbor Yacht Club at the Newport Naval Station, and is a member of the New York Yacht Club. In the racing community he was a former Shields National Champion and is the current holder of the Newport Shields Fleet 9 Season Championship. Beside his wife of 53 years, he is survived by his children, Stephen Withers of Bristol, Leslie Withers of Newport, Tracy Mallinson of Middletown, and Matthew Withers of Middletown, his brother Peter Withers of Sarasota, FL, and his grandson Jake Mallinson and granddaughter Kaleigh Rogers. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Marys Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Marys Churchyard in Portsmouth. Calling hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to SailNewport, 60 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840.