Chris Pethel

Pastor Chris Pethel, 61, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016 at his home. He had suffered a long battle with heart disease. He was born Sept. 13, 1955 in Iredell County, the son of the late Rev. Richard Pethel and Sally Woodie Pethel. Chris was a 1973 graduate at South Rowan High School and continued his Biblical education at Liberty University. Pastor Chris became pastor of Corriher Heights Baptist Church, China Grove, and continued there until the time of his Homegoing. He is fondly remembered by family and friends working in mission work having traveled around the world three times especially doing mission work in India. He had a special love for missions and loved providing his church to help missionaries from all around the world. He had a love for the outdoors where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends. Even though he was an avid hunter and fisherman, he had an even greater love for his family and doing the Lord's work. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Janet Harless Pethel; his daughter, Scarlott P. Milem of Salisbury; his son, Ritchie C. Pethel and Vanessa Pethel of Concord; his grandchildren, Autumn, Jimmy and Spring Milem and Sarah, Leah and Rachul Pethel; and siblings, Ricky and Debby Pethel of China Grove, Diane and David Little of Landis and Teresa and Dean Efird of Landis. Service and Visitation: The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016 at Corriher Heights Baptist Church, China Grove, officiated by Pastor Bruce Graham and Pastor Rodney Efird. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park, China Grove. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 at the church. The family would like to say a special thank you to Wanda Allman, Gayle Deal, Teresa Efird, Vanessa Pethel and Diane Little who were always there giving their professional medical and loving care to Chris thoughout his illness. Memorials: Memorials may be made to Corriher Heights Baptist Church, 1980 Hwy. 153, China Grove, NC 28023. Whitley's Funeral Home, Kannapolis, is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.