DeWitt Barnhill Griffin was born on November 24, 1927 in Spencer, NC. He was raised in Phoebus, VA and graduated from Hampton High School.
He served in the U.S. Army, 399th Evac Hospital, during the Korean War. He was a member of the VFW and Siler City American Legion Post 93.
For most of his life he was a retail manager for Rose’s, and later, Wood’s dime stores. While managing the Wood’s store in Wadesboro, NC, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Sue Gathings Griffin. They had two children. The family moved to Siler City in 1968, where he managed the Wood’s store for many years. He later owned and operated the Friendly Shopping Center on W. 3rd Street.
The family joined the First Baptist Church shortly after moving to Siler City. He was a member of the Rachel Allred Sunday School class and sang in the choir. He also sang in the Sandy Creek Baptist Association Jubilee Choir. DeWitt lived his life as a devout Christian, unwavering in his faith and service to the Lord. He was even tempered with a kind, compassionate heart, which was evident in his love for both people and animals, and his genial sense of humor.
He was involved in Siler City’s downtown revitalization efforts and was a member of the Siler City Lions Club, where he held many positions and participated in fundraising activities for the club’s charitable activities.
Peacefully, DeWitt passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 while being attended to by both of his children. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, John William Griffin and Eula Barnhill Griffin Swatts, his stepfather Arthur Swatts, his brother David Edward Griffin, and his wife of 51 years, Betty Sue Gathings Griffin. He is survived by his son David D. Griffin of Siler City and his daughter Nancy S. Griffin of Asheboro, NC.
He was laid to rest beside his wife in Anson Memorial Park, Wadesboro, NC. We hope to have a celebration of life service in the future.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, the Siler City Lions Club, or the ASPCA
Online condolences may be made at: www.pughfuneralhome.com .
