Edward (Sonny) Dufour Titus Jr.

Ed (Sonny) Titus made his last navy aircraft catapult take-off launch and thus began his final flight to his new stateroom in heaven at age 91. He anticipated catching the #3 arresting gear wire and coming to a safe landing.
Sonny, born and raised in Thomasville, attended and graduated from local school as a four-sport athlete participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Upon graduation, he attended and graduated from Florida State University with a BS degree in Business. He also participated in football and track at FSU. He later attended Catholic University and graduated with an MA degree in Psychology. In addition, he graduated from Columbia Commonwealth University with a PhD (less dissertation) in Business Management. He is also a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and the Naval War College, where he attained an MS in International Relations/Defense Economics. He is a graduate of the Executive Development Programs from Harvard University, University of Michigan, and Columbia University. The last 30 years of teaching he taught psychology and business courses at the college level at 5 different universities.
After graduating from FSU, he commenced on twenty-nine and a half years as a career Naval Officer/Naval aviator. He flew several thousand hours and successfully completed several hundred carrier landings. He held responsible positions in the Navy as the Department Head in A‹1ministration, Operations and Maintenance functions. He served as Commanding Officer of carrier based squadron VS- 29 and the shore based Organizational Effectiveness Command. In the latter command, his organization served as Organization Effectiveness consultants to the admirals and generals in the Pentagon. He served as the Project Manager for the overhaul of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk. Hi received a letter of commendation for his successful completion in the overhaul on time and on budget.
Sonny became a specialist in Nuclear Weapons (Atomic Bombs), highlighted by his planning two nuclear weapons tests at sea, in which he flew the aircraft dropping the bombs. He served as Project Manager being responsible for developing the plans for the protection of the U.S. from attack by Ballistic Missiles. Another highlight of his career took him to serve as the National Security Council Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Sonny is survived by his wife June Titus, his two sons Trey Titus of Sarasota, FL and Michael Titus and spouse Peter Koch of Tallahassee, FL, three daughters Jan Yaggy, Mary Nissen and husband Ray Nissen, Eva Beth Yaggy of Fairfax, VA, grandchildren Rachel Lawton and husband Sam Lawton and their children Max and Jack Lawton, Joe Nissen and wife Maggie Engler. June's daughter Elizabeth Hoyt of Cincinnati, OH and grandson TJ Hoyt of White Plains, NY.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: First Presbyterian Church, Thomasville, Ga: https://www.fpcthomasville.com ; Samaritan's Purse: https://samaritanspurse.org/disaster/relief ; St. Jude's: https://www.stjude.org
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, September 30, 2024, at Laurel Hill Cemetery (900 Block of Jackson St, Thomasville, Ga 31792) on 5th Street, with Military honors. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church(225 E. Jackson St, Thomasville, Ga 31792) on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11 am. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 4-6 pm at Allen & Allen Funeral Home(110 W. Hansell St, Thomasville, Ga 31792).