PRINCETON —
Joseph Fields Griffith Sr. passed away on March 1, 2013 at Glenwood Park Retirement Village, his caring home for the past five years.
He was born in Pocahontas, Va. on May 27, 1927. A proud Marine, he served at Parris Island during World War II. He attended Bramwell High and graduated from Pocahontas High.
Joe was married to his beloved wife, Betty, for 60 years this week, and they've lived in Nemours since 1966. He worked with dedication at U.S. Steel Gary 14 coal mine for 36 years, first as a blacksmith before graduating to the role of mechanic. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.
He was passionate about his many hobbies, including woodworking, carpentry, welding, gardening, dancing with his wife, WVU football, bowling, baseball and bingo. Joe fell in love with golf at the age of 71, and one of his happiest moments came in 2005 when he hit a hole-in-one. In 1990, he and his older son renovated the 18th-century log cabin on the grounds of the James Wylie House in White Sulphur Springs, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. He also co-developed Oak Branch subdivision in Caldwell in 1996.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters. He was a devoted father, and in addition to his wife, is survived by sons Joseph Jr. and wife Cheryl of Mount Sidney, Va. and R. George and wife Lauren of Kenner, La. He was a proud grandfather to Leah (Kevin), Andrea (Patrick), Michael, Darra, Laura, Jenna, Brendan and Ella. He also leaves behind two brothers, George and John; many nieces and nephews; and his extended family at Glenwood Park.
Relatives and friends will celebrate Joe's life Monday at Mercer Funeral Home, 1231 West Cumberland Rd., Bluefield. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m., and a service will follow at 2 p.m. He will be buried afterward at Grandview Memory Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be Joseph Griffith Jr., R. George Griffith, Michael Griffith, Les Eszenyi, Doug Bates, and Patrick Cash. Military graveside rites will be rendered by the Mercer County Veteran's Council.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to his lifelong church, Pocahontas United Methodist, P.O. Box 417, Pocahontas, VA, 24635.
Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com
Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Joseph Fields Griffith Sr.
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