Wilber R. Griffith

Obituary: During the early hours of August 2, 2012, Wilber R. Griffith, age 98, ended his journey on this earth which began September 25, 1913, when he was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. He never stopped caring for his wife of 69 years. He leaves a strong legacy of commitment to his wife, Dorothy Baker Griffith, and deep devotion to his family. He was born in Flint County, MI, the son of the late Samuel Thomas Griffith and Clara Miller Griffith. In the earlier years of his life, Wilber was a farmer. He was later employed with Kelzey-Hayes Wheel, Detroit, MI. During that time he also worked for an independent business that made gun barrels for the US Army. In 1952 he started working for Royal Oak TWP Schools in general maintenance. Also during those years he was also a volunteer fireman and policemen. He moved to N.C. in 1971. He then worked for Cabarrus County Schools and later Kannapolis City Schools until his retirement. Wilber and his wife were strong people of faith and became active members of Poplar Grove Baptist Church, Concord, NC where they spent many years in Christian service. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2012 at Whitley's Funeral Home Main Chapel, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Rev. Jimmy Barrett. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC. Wilber's body will lie in state at the funeral home on Saturday, August 4, 2012 until 5:00 P.M. and again on Sunday, August 5, 2012 with the family receiving friends that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Delores Griffith of Concord, NC, Wesley Griffith & wife, Dale of Rochester, MI, Earl Griffith & wife, Pat of Conover, NC, James Griffith & wife, Beverly of China Grove, NC, and Verna Jean Coley & husband, Joe of Rockwell, NC; twelve grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He never turned away anyone in need and will be sorely missed by many friends and neighbors. He never gave up. Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, Kannapolis Camp, P.O. Box 52, Kannapolis, NC 28082. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 12:00PM to 5:00PM Saturday, August 4 and 6:00 to 8:00PM Sunday, August 5 at Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 11:00AM Monday, August 6 at Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park