Ulrich "Uli" Wittlinger

Mr. Ulrich "Uli" Wittlinger 78 passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Candler Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Ulrich "Uli" Wittlinger was born to the proud parents of Adolph and Marta Wittlinger on January 5, 1944 in the Village of Neckarhausen Germany. He was baptized and confirmed under the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Upon completion of his secondary education, he served as airman in the German Air Force. On his path to becoming an award-winning chef, Uli studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in France. He departed Germany with the desire to become international by working as the Executive Chef at Hotel Montreal in Canada for ten years. Uli relocated to Hilton Head, South Carolina in 1975 working at the Captains Table and Sea Crest Restaurants with his close friend Franz Auer. He also served as the Executive Chef at 1790 the Desoto Hilton Hotel, and the Meeting Place all in Savannah, GA. He later returned to Hilton Head Island, working at the Old Oyster Factory, where he retired. Uli's zest for fine cuisine was infused with his commitment to family when he met and married the love of his life, Earthell. He demonstrated agape love by opening his home and heart to her family as well as assisting her with caring for the elderly and disabled family members. He was affectionately known as "Opa" by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Uli's love for his family in Germany and the U.S. will always be remembered. He traveled to his home country as often as his schedule allowed, returning to Georgia with the best chocolates from around the world. We the following are grateful for blessing our lives with Ulrich: a dedicated wife, Earthell B. Wittlinger; children, Ralph (Donna) Ladson of New York, Curtiss (Camille) Jacobs of New York, and Zain (Jason) Murdock of Silver Springs MD; siblings, Deiter Wittlinger, Helga (Peter) Smith, and Eric (Helga Wittlinger, all of Heckarhausen, Germany; godchildren, Silja Mayer of Neckarhausen Germany, Betty Brown of Savannah, GA, and Martin Chaplin of Atlanta, GA; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents, Adolph and Marta Wittlinger. Funeral service will be held 12pm Saturday, August 13, 2022 at First African Baptist Church 23 Montgomery Street Rev. Thurmond N. Tillman Pastor, Minister Carl Bosier Officiating