Jed Michael Withers

Jed Michael Withers, 45, transitioned to everlasting life after a courageous battle with cancer on March 6, 2025, in his hometown of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, surrounded by his loving family.

Born October 1, 1979, in Columbia, South Carolina, to parents Alan Raymond Withers (Debbie) and Gay Thompson Withers (Jack Sippel), Jed grew up in Melbourne, Florida. He played youth sports, attended Brevard County Schools K-12, and graduated from Eau Gallie High School in 1998, always focused on doing his best at every endeavor. He continued his post-secondary studies at Florida Institute of Technology, pitched collegiate baseball, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (2002) and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering (2007).

His professional achievements in engineering included initial work at Northrop Grumman in Melbourne, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, and he concluded with Areté, a private defense contractor. Ironically, their mission statement, Areté, comes from the Greek (ἀρετή), meaning excellence, or the act of living up to one’s full potential. He excelled professionally, as in life, to advance to position of Vice President. It was a perfect fit.

His caring and loving mindset endured throughout his too-short time with his friends and family. He leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Christina Burton Withers, son Noah Fox, and daughters Addison Gail and Vivian Rae. Preceding him in death are paternal grandparents Colonel Raymond R and Kathleen Withers and maternal grandparents Colonel Dan F and Geraldine Thompson. He leaves behind his siblings, brother Andrew Alan Withers (Alana) and sister Jessalyn Withers Steele (Matt) and his grandmother Jane Thompson. His community was large and included the Burton family, aunts and uncles, many devoted cousins, life-long friends, and professional colleagues who meant the world to him.

Services will be held at Good News Church, 4747 US Hwy 98 W, Santa Rosa Beach on March 28, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. CST where his life will be honored. Reception and gathering to follow at Padgett Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Withers Family to honor Jed and support Noah, Addison, and Vivian and all their future endeavors (Venmo @Christina-Withers-3).