Mr. Thomas Lee Witcher, 72 of Covington died January 16, 2011 surrounded by his family. Mr. Witcher was born in Cedartown, Ga. to the late Ralph and Josie Dudley Witcher. He was retired from the US Navy in 1982 after 28 years of active duty.  He was a recruiter for the Navy from 1975 to 1979. After retirement from the Navy he worked for the Newton County Water and Sewer Authority for 5 years.  He was also the owner and operator of T & G Trenching Company in Covington for over 20 years and a member of Covington Masonic Lodge #558. He is survived by his wife Gloria Fay Witcher of Covington, children Brenda M. Lott of Covington, Thomas F. Witcher  of Conyers, David L. Witcher of Danville, VA.,  Robert and Shannon Witcher of Covington, Crystal and Randy White of Painesville, OH., and Christina and Christopher Juergens of Covington, his sister Linda and Jack Mathna of Marietta, 8 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Witcher will be held on Thursday January 20, 2011 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Wheeler Funeral Home with Rev. Nolan Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial Park with full military honors and masonic rites. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 PM at the funeral home.  Friends may sign the online register at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com.