Ernest Chester Griffith, Jr.

Ernest Chester Griffith, Jr., 74, of China Grove went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC following a short illness.

Ernest was born March 1, 1947 in Salem County, NJ to the late Ernest Chester Griffith, Sr. and Beatrice Jeanette Petterson Griffith.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, February 18, 2022 at Salisbury National Cemetery Annex conducted by Rev. Lamar Creel and Rev. Dennis Boyce. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the US Air Force and the Rowan County Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Family members left to cherish his memory include his companion, Caroline Dobson Marshall of China Grove, NC, two daughters; Nancy Palmer and husband Dion of Mays Landing, NJ and Rachel Guffey and husband Jimmy of Gastonia, NC. He is also survived by a son, Justin Griffith and wife Christina of Fort Mill, SC. Four grandchildren also survive; Dion and wife Kristina, Melissa and husband Jacob, Logan, and Lydia. Also surviving are two great grandchildren, Colton and Ivy.

He also leaves a brother Gene Griffith and wife Lynne from Troy, NC, and three sisters, Cindy Kelly and husband Don of Bridgeton, NJ, Christine Smith and husband Tim of Salisbury, NC and Tracy Crouse of Manchester, TN.

Ernest was a radiology technician for 40 years. For 25 of those years he worked as the director of the school of radiology at Atlantic City Medical Center, Carmont Regional Medical Center, and Novant Presbyterian Medical Center. He was a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. He also was a member of the National Christian Counselors Association. Ernest was a US Air Force Veteran serving during the Vietnam Era.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Horse Protection Society of NC, 2135 Miller Road, China Grove, NC 28023 or to the Gideon’s International, 9425 Magnolia Estates Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Griffith. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com