Page Hite Jr.

May 15, 1952 - August 31, 2020

Page Lee Hite, Jr. lived life to the fullest and passed away on August 31, 2020 in Springfield, VA after a 10 day illness with a non-smoking-related lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain. As he was fond of saying, Page (known as “Lee” growing up) was born at an early age on May 15, 1952 in Florence, SC to Maude McCain Hite & Page L. Hite, Sr. While in High School, Page developed a love of photography, music, and technology. He played French Horn in the high school band and guitar and piano in rock bands and for the local Little Theater. After school, he worked at a movie theater and as a DJ for a radio station where he honed his gift for patter. In 1970 he graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence and continued on to Clemson University in Clemson, SC where he studied Engineering Technology. At Clemson, he became a DJ for the University’s Radio Station, the Photography Editor for the University’s school paper, and an employee of the University’s Computer Center. While at Clemson University, he met his future wife, Agnes Sims, and they married in Clemson in 1975. In his vows, he promised to “never be boring and to make her laugh”. He overachieved.
In 1985 Page and Agnes moved to Houston, TX where he became a member of Mensa, briefly attended the University of Houston, and was employed first by Hughes Tool Company as a Computer Systems Operator and then by SOHIO Oil Company where he supported their computer chargeback and computer security systems. During the oil bust of 1987, Page and his wife moved to Washington, DC where he worked in Customer Support for PACE (a Computer Chargeback software company) and where he developed their first web site and began lecturing worldwide. In 1999 he moved on to AIA, a company that did Y2K software remediation. After the Y2K crisis was averted, Page moved to Red Celsius where he did customer consulting on chargeback systems. When AIA decided to drop their consulting business, Page was hired by IBM to be program manager for their newly acquired computer chargeback system which he did through 2007.
All this time, Page continued his love of music by playing in various bands and attending live performances and music festivals, mainly jazz and blues. He used his professional website development experience to support his music habit by developing websites for his favorite nationally & internationally-known musicians, a local restaurant, an artist, a friend’s wedding, a Luxury Barge Company in France, and a list of really good local entertainment events (Page’s Picks). He also was a producer on a music documentary film. Much of this was barter work resulting in free charter music cruises in the Caribbean, luxury barge cruises in the Loire River Valley in France, free lunch every day (proving there really is such a thing as “free lunch”), and trips to film festivals across the US.
Page loved helping friends with their technology purchases, computer problems, and music and entertainment selections. Page never met a stranger, making friends for life all over the world from all walks of life. One friend said of Page that “if you did not like him and he did not make you laugh, then YOU were the one with the problem.” His 50th birthday celebration (which is still being talked about) was an all-day live music extravaganza attended by 120 of his closest friends from as far away as Singapore.
Besides all those friends, a god-daughter, and numerous in-laws, Page is survived by his wife of 47 years, Agnes Sims Hite, his only sibling, Mary Hite (George) Moniuszko, and his nephew Paul (Courtney Maimon) Moniuszko. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, there will be no funeral. Instead, a celebration of his wonderful life will be held in the spring or fall of 2021. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity supporting your local musicians or music venues or your local school’s band program or to Clemson University Foundation. Please direct any gift to Clemson University to the Page Lee Hite, Jr. fund in memory of Page Lee Hite, Jr. Gifts may be made online at iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving, by phone at (864) 656-5896 or by mail (Clemson University, Annual Giving Office, PO Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633). Acknowledgements may be sent to Agnes Hite, 5223 Inverchapel Rd., Springfield, VA 22151-18

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Sorry to see such a good one go.

I knew Page for more than thirty years. First as a customer, then as a colleague, and most importantly, always as a friend. I miss him terribly. For more than 20 years Charie and I cruised with Agnes and Page every January on the Delbert McClinton Blues Cruise. We were reluctant to go on the cruise at first, but Page wouldn't take no for an answer. He would frequently say "Trust me now and thank me later". Every time we saw each other he would bring out photos and brochures. Those who knew Page knew how persuasive he could be (selling ice to an Eskimo). Finally, while attending a conference in Denver, we agreed to go. To show his appreciation he took us to the nearest record store where he "suggested" the best CD for every performer on the next cruise (about $200 worth). After that, he used to talk about how he loved spending other people's money. I remember many times when Page would enter the room and say "Are we having the big fun yet?" Wherever we went he would talk about working the room. No matter how large the group, everybody knew Page. Page always had a quip or witty saying for us all. I remember him saying "Life is short, and I'm not getting any taller". He taught me the best toast I ever heard, and use frequently today - "Champagne for my real friends. Real pain for my sham friends". Once when he offered to take me out to dinner, he said "Uncle Page gives good groceries". I can only imagine dinner in heaven with Page Hite, Gary Pereyo, Paul Waulawicz, and Gerry Patten. It will be a three-day party, and there will be music and laughter like you can only dream of. As Page and Paul would often quote Kenny Maynes - "Bring me your finest meats and cheeses!". Farewell friend. Rest in peace.

Page.... A truly great music lover of all kinds. Blues, Jazz, Country, Rock-N-Roll and more. His enthusiasm and support of the artists, music and venues will sorely be missed by many. We have lost a dear friend.

Agnes and I met while working/surviving on a "special" project at Lockheed. We quickly recognized our mutual love of music and the rest is history. I don't remember which outing was the first that included Page but it was at one of our usually "haunts". Likely it was at the Mandarin Oriental in DC overlooking the Potomac River for an elegant evening of jazz and wonderful company. Page always had the table front and center, with the best sound reception ready for his "crew". The nights were always special there. So many outings around the DC area: Birchmere, Blues Alley, Strathmore, Bethesda Blues/Jazz ..... Those special nights with Page and Agnes, sometimes my parents (Don & Carol), John or Bob.... always so many smiles and warm memories.... always the seats in the middle with the best sound. You are missed dear sweet Page.

I met Agnes and Page in 2014 - via treasured joint friends of ours - at a performance by the afrofunk big band Chopteeth at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. It was the beginning of a music-filled friendship, with more cherished memories made at subsequent performances in venues around the area. Page's enthusiasm and love for music and his loyalty to the performers he cherished was so inspiring to me. That sparkle in his eyes, when he talked about Marcia Ball, for example. I forgot how many of her concerts he had been to over the decades, but recall being blown away. And Page's - and Agnes - occasional, comprehensive e-newsletter filled with recommendations for upcoming performances in the DMV region... I will miss Page and keep the memories of our precious times together in a special place in my heart. My deepest condolences to Agnes and all family members.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Met Page on the Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise. He introduced us to many interesting people & turned us on to new music/musicians. He was witty, smart as heck & fun to be around. Who will help with our technical dilemmas now? Page was a producer on a movie my husband made: "Rocking The Boat: A Musical Conversation & Journey". He and Agnes advised, assisted, attended Film Festivals & cheered us on all the way. We subsequently enjoyed their visit to see us in Hawaii & ours to see them in VA/DC. He will be very much missed. Condolences to Agnes & Page's family & many many friends.

I met Page in the fall of 1972 when I worked at the Clemson University Computer Center as a student employee. After a somewhat uneasy beginning, he (and then Agnes) became some of my most loyal and trusted friends. I always knew Iu2019d have fun if Page was involved. His enthusiasm was contagious. We will all miss him. Peace and love to all.

Page gave me an old organ and encouraged me to play keyboards. He taught me to do bank shots in billiards. Going to miss him a lot.

The world has lost something unique.There will never be another Page Hite.

I met Page in San Diego while working on a project for IBM even though Page and I only lived about 30 minutes from each other. We became good friends and my late wife and I used to go to dinner often with Page and Agnes. Margaret and Page loved to share some saki! Page always made people laugh with his wit and humorous sayings. After a particularly good meal when we first met, I commented on my wisdom of following his lead in ordering. His response was "Round boy speaks fluent grocery". That's been a fond memory for many years. Our friend will be missed!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.