Richard Elrid Witherspoon

Richard Elrid Witherspoon obituary, Wilmington, NC

Richard Elrid Witherspoon

Richard Witherspoon Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 9, 2023.

   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

Sign Richard Witherspoon's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 14, 2023

tina perry posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Steve Colwell posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Reginald Newton posted to the memorial.

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.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Richard Witherspoon's name

How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Richard Witherspoon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Richard Witherspoon's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 14, 2023

tina perry posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Steve Colwell posted to the memorial.

May 12, 2023

Reginald Newton posted to the memorial.