Gary Griffitts

Mr. Gary Griffitts, age 87, of the Sturgills community, passed away peacefully at Ashe Memorial Hospital on May 6th, 2025, with his family at his side. Gary was born on April 9, 1938, in Ashe County to Esther Pennington and Clarence Griffitts. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ann; his sister Maxine Hanks, brothers: Harold, Tony, and Danny Griffitts, brother-in-laws Avery Hanks and Joe Adams; nephews Bobby Hanks and Alan Adams; and niece Rita Hanks.

Gary had lived along Helton Creek all his life. Listening to the sounds of the water, and wind gently blowing through the trees was one of his best loved activities in the quiet of the evening. His yard was testament to his love for flowers and the outdoors. He loved Whitetop and Grayson Highlands, and would tell stories about walking from Wilburn Ridge with Breece Sturgill to his back yard in Sturgills. He was an avid fly fisherman and loved tying flies and working on fishing reels. He, and his best friend Buddy Emerson, spent a lot of time exploring nearby fishing streams all over the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. They could tell some big tales about the one that got away, and there were other fish enthusiasts that always asked them where the best spot to fish was. Of course they never divulged the best ones. His other past-times included lapidary work, hunting arrowheads (and eventually making his own), wood carving, finding lost treasure with a metal detector, and finally a whiz at putting together 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles. He was also a collector of may things, but especially fishing items and his pipes. He took great pride in sharing his interests with visitors and family whenever they came to his home.

Gary was a farmer and furniture maker at Thomasville Furniture for 31 years. He would work during the day and farm in the evening. It was a hard life at times, but he always made sure his family was taken care of and had what they needed. He was our daddy, daddio, grandpa,and paw paw. He loved all of his girls, grandkids, and great-grandkids to the moon and back. He inspired them to exceed at anything they chose to do and did so up until the time of his death. He made sure he went to dance recitals, ballgames, graduations, music performances, and any other activity that he knew they would benefit from his support and encouragement. He was always there when his family needed him, from the time he hoed corn (in his sleep), had electricity put in his parents home, helped his brothers, and finally made sure all of his kids had the best he could give them. He was the biggest supporter of his wife Ann's art, and made sure she was able to excel at her talent. Up until the time he passed away he asked for her daily and would tell us he missed her.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Sturgills Baptist Church by Rev. Lloyd Day. Burial will follow in Zion Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 - 12:00 prior to the service at the church.

Mr. Griffitts is survived by his three daughters: Cathy Clark (Billy) of Lansing; Debbie Copas of the home; and Penny Grubb (David) of Todd. Five grandchildren, Carmen McGee (Marty) of Wilkesboro, Jenny Hoffman (Zach) of Boone; Max Wagoner of Valdese, Dave Grubb (Ashley) of Kernersville, Brett Grubb stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California; and six great-grandchildren, Mara, Canaan, Ada, Jake, Jett, and Isla. One special niece, Anita Chamberlain of Jefferson, and two sisters-in-law, Darlene Griffitts of Lansing and Geraldine Vencill of Sugar Grove, Virginia.

The family would like to give special thanks to Medi Home Hospice for the wonderful care and assistance they provided. Special thanks to April, Terry, Katie, Trish, Presley, Richard, and all the other caregivers that came into his home. Special thanks to Ellen Reedy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Medi-Home Hospice, Post Office Box 421, Jefferson, North Carolina, 28640.