David Hamilton Hitt

David Hamilton Hitt died at Methodist Medical Center Dallas on November 24, 2015. Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on May 14, 1925. Lived there until 1950 except during World War II when he was in the United States Marine Corps, in the Pacific. Preceded in death by his parents, Lester Coleman Hitt and Mary Elizabeth Hitt, his first wife Frances Ford Hitt (48 years), his second wife Lola McKinney Hitt (3 years) and his grandson Daniel R. Hitt. Survived by his wife Mary Arthur Hitt (11 years) and his step-daughter Priscilla Lane. Also survived by his son David H. Hitt, Jr., his daughter-in-law Donna V. Hitt, his grandson David H. Hitt, III and his wife Courtney J. Hitt and his great-grandson David H. Hitt IV. Also survived by his daughter Kathryn A. Arrambide, his son-in-law Paul G. Arrambide and his grandchildren Katie J. Arrambide, Kristina F. Arrambide and Paul D. Arrambide.

Earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Business Administration from the University of Alabama while serving as executive director of its hospital. Attended the University of Minnesota, receiving a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration and completing a research fellowship.

With his wife, Frances, moved to Dallas in 1952 to join Baylor Medical Center’s top management staff and remained there for 27 years, as chief operating officer and then five years as chief executive officer. In 1979, resigned to head the Dallas regional office and practice for Hamilton Associates, a national hospital consulting firm. In 1984, became president and chief executive officer of Methodist Hospitals of Dallas and where he served for 13 years until retiring at the end of 1996. Growing up during the 1930s caused him to view having a job as a privilege never to be taken for granted, deserving his best effort. Frequently said he felt blessed to have such a deeply personal satisfying job -- to be compensated for work that others perform as volunteers.

Always heavily involved in multiple other activities. For 18 years, was a member of Board of Directors of Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida. Held visiting professorship appointments in healthcare management graduate programs in four universities. Was a Director for Swiss Avenue Bank throughout its history. Was chairman of North Texas Healthcare Network, the largest PPO plan in North Texas for seven years.

Over a 50 year career in hospital management, received the highest awards and elected offices in local, statewide, regional, and national professional and hospital associations, was honored as a leader on policy, strategic, organizational and public policy issues. Was designated spokesman for hospitals on numerous state and national legislative matters. Believed passionately in the goals of his work and in high standards of ethics and principles. Actively advocated that hospitals ought to be under nonprofit ownership to assure the future. Had a special regard for church-related hospitals, believing they have a special mission duty to exemplify the purpose and compassion of their church sponsor. Encouraged collaboration among tax-exempt hospitals and shared responsibility for community health problems such as trauma care and indigency. Opposed trends toward commercialism and competition.

Was dedicated to his faith, family, friends, duty, the Marine Corps, the Boy Scouts of America, and the University of Alabama. Member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church. Member of Circle Ten Council Executive Board for 30 years, holds Silver Beaver Award.

A public memorial service will be held in the Hitt Auditorium of Methodist Medical Center Dallas at 2 pm on December 23, 2015.