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Richard Elrid Witherspoon, 89, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023. Richard was a lifelong resident of Wilmington, graduated from New Hanover High School in 1951, served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, and worked for Sherwin-Williams for over 40 years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 80 years, serving in many roles, including Deacon, Building and Grounds Chairman, and choir member. Richard was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club and the North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mildred Witherspoon, brother Conrad Witherspoon, and sister Judy Jones. Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; 2 children Karen Garris (Alan) of Wilmington, Richard (Kelly) of Burgaw; grandchildren Matthew Garris, Jessica Lovette (Thomas), Jillian Garris, Katie English (Ivey), and Jeffrey Witherspoon (Caroline); and 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church, 423 N. 23rd Street, Wilmington, with Donnie Lovette officiating. A Visitation will be held at church from 1:00 PM until time of services. Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
15 Entries
tina perry
May 14, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Steve Colwell
May 12, 2023
Richard has been a member of the Wilmington Kiwanis Club for 48 years. He truly lived the Kiwanis motto of "Improving the world one child and one community at a time." He will be sadly missed by his fellow Kiwanians.
Reginald Newton
May 12, 2023
My condolences to the Witherspoon family! Sorry to hear of your loss! Reggie Newton, class of '80.
James and Fawn Byrd
May 11, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. You and Calvary Baptist have lost a Great man! We miss him and cherish the memories with our short time with him. He is now with the Lord in heaven. Hallelujah. Amen
Laine Turner
May 11, 2023
Loved the man and his family!!! So sorry.
Kenneth Gasperson
May 10, 2023
Richard rest in peace my friend. I will miss our talks at the New Hanover law inforcement range.
Cherlyn Smith
May 10, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with Katie and all the family.
Clelia CleliaRaynor
May 10, 2023
So sorry Richard. My prayers are with you and your family
Mary Anne Jones
May 10, 2023
I remember your sweet parents always with a smile at church
Gloria Hurst
May 10, 2023
My condolences tithe family during this time.
Ken and Laura Barrows
May 10, 2023
" Sending sympathy and prayers for your family"
Diane Turner
May 10, 2023
You could always count on Richard. Great guy. Praying for you all.
Alison/Anna Smith
May 9, 2023
We extend our deepest sympathy for your loss and pray for your comfort and peace at this time.
Angie Simpson-Ferguson
May 9, 2023
Thinking and praying for the family of such a worthy, faithful servant.
Susan Yablonski
May 9, 2023
Richard and Kelly, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
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1617 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401
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