L. Bethel Griffith

Bethel Griffith, 92, of Eden, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC.

A memorial service will be held at Fair Funeral Home Chapel at 2pm, Saturday, May 19th followed by Military Honors by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Rockingham County Veteran's Honor Guard.  

Mr. Griffith was born September 3, 1925 in Patrick County, Virginia to the late William Frank Griffith and Lena May Roberson Griffith.  He was a World War II Marine Corp veteran and was previously active in the local DAV, Marine Corp League, Rockingham Men's Club, Lions Club and the VA / NC Early Dirt Racer's Association. He was a Distinguished Service Award winner for his volunteer service at the Durham VA Hospital. Bethel loved watching NASCAR and was a co-owner of one of the very first NASCAR race cars, driven by Gordon Mangum.  He had a great love for family and enjoyed spending time with them.  Bethel was a member of Leaksville Christian Church and the former owner and operator of  Bethel's Used Cars and Griffith Motorcycle Sales in Eden.  

He is survived by his three daughters, Pam Archer and husband, Stuart of Eden, Mickey Gilbert and husband, Tommy of Chocowinity and Cathy Griffith of Greensboro;  son, Casey Griffith of Eden;  4 grandchildren, Mandy Collier, Clay Collier, Heather Spencer and Derrek Archer;  seven great-grandchildren, Bishop, Drew, Tyler, Mady, Simon, Violet and Archer;  and three sisters, Julia Scott, Martha Conner and Shirley Martin; and brother, Frank Griffith, Jr.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Cox Griffith and 15 siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 342 Cherokee Camp Road, Wentworth, NC  27375.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com