Harold "Skip" Paul Bitler, Jr.

Harold “Skip” Paul Bitler, Jr., 82, of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2025. Born on October 8, 1942 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Skip was the son of the late Harold Paul Bitler, Sr. and Pauline Marks Bitler. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Lemma. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Beverly Bitler, his sister Sharon Chryst and her spouse Carl Chryst, his two sons, Chris and Brian Bitler and his spouse Brenna Bitler, and his cherished grandchildren: Tyler, Jake, Zack, Duke, Coco, and Charlie Bitler.

Skip’s life was marked by service and dedication to others. After graduating from Lehigh University, he spent two years in Colombia with the Peace Corps teaching math - a reflection of his deep belief in education and helping others succeed. He then built an impressive career in finance, beginning at Arthur Andersen in Hartford, CT, before moving to Marietta, GA, in 1977 to join Trust Company of Georgia, which later became SunTrust Banks. As an executive for the bank, Skip played a pivotal role in leading the mergers and acquisitions that helped shape the future of the institution and worked on a variety of special projects including the bank’s acquisition of SunTrust Plaza, and setting up various captive insurance companies for risk management purposes. After 25 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2002 and enjoyed his retirement years living between Hilton Head Island, SC and Marietta, GA.

Skip and his wife Beverly enjoyed entertaining family and friends both in Atlanta and in Hilton Head.  He also had a deep love for traveling the world and seeing unique places and experiencing different cultures.  He had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout six continents on numerous trips that would range from days to several weeks.    

Skip’s faith in Christ was evident in the way he lived his life, always striving to help others with kindness and generosity. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued family above all. His wisdom, integrity, and unwavering love for those around him will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Skip’s life will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.