Michael Wayne Witmer, age 43 and long time resident of Arcadia passed away Monday night after he was overcome by a recently discovered brain tumor. Mike passed away at Healthpark Medical Center in Fort Myers. Mike was born August 22, 1965 in Prince George County, Maryland ,moving to Arcadia with his parents at a young age from Maryland. Mike excelled in many sports and especially was passionate with football. Mike became a corrections officer, but still felt a strong pull towards his true passion which was teaching. While working full time he acquired a bachelor s degree in education from USF. Mike taught for over 15 years with the majority of those being at DeSoto High School. Mike was also an accomplished powerlifter, bodybuilder and strongman. He has many records in power lifting including world records. Mike enjoyed mentoring and teaching young lifters, also many of his lifters went on to break records. Mike s kind smile and joyful demeanor made him a pleasure to be around. He touched many people lives with his wisdom and willingness to teach. Mike is survived by his wife Christi S. Witmer of Arcadia, FL, one son Ryan M. Witmer of Arcadia, FL., two step-sons, J. and Houston Ryals of Arcadia, Fl., his mother, Midge (Hadaway) VanNess of Arcadia, FL., one brother, Richard (Jeanie) Witmer of Arcadia, Fl., one sister Marsha (Mike) Parker of Maryland and four nieces. He is preceded in death by his father Jay Kimbal Witmer. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 5:00 to7:00PM at the First Baptist Church of Arcadia, 1006 N. Brevard Ave., Arcadia. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 24, 2009 at 11:00AM at the First Baptist Church of Arcadia with Rev. Ken Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Joshua Creek Cemetery, Arcadia. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home.