Obituary of Earl Griffith

Earl (Tennessee) Griffith age 101 of Pennsville passed away on September 27, 2011 at his residence. He was born In Cosby, TN To the late Robert and Nancy Ford Griffith. Earl came to Pennsville in 1938 and worked for Riverview Beach Park where he met Shirley Trauger on the ferry. They married in a cow pasture in Newport TN in the summer of 1939. They made their home in Pennsville for the next 73 years. He was also employed by DuPont in plant one for 32 years before retiring. After retirement he was employed for the New Jersey Racing Commission and worked part time cleaning furnaces & chimneys. Earl and Shirley spent winters in Florida and summers camping at the Jersey Shore. He was an avid hunter, gardner and also helped organize the first Babe Ruth League here in Pennsville. He was a member and trustee of the Hains Neck United Methodist Church. In his last few years he was cared for by his daughter and son-in-law and the devoted memorial home Health and Hospice nurse Helen Bonaccorsi. Earl is survived by his wife of 73 years Shirley Trauger Griffith sister Ceicel Hunt of Winston Salem, NC, daughter Bonnie Powers and husband Marvin of Pennsville. Grandchildren Candy Renner and husband Billy, Michele Hicks and husband Micah, Greg C. Griffith and Wife Karen all of Pennsville, Jamie Gilbert of Allentown, PA Kelly Bretz and husband Todd of Mickleton and 13 Great Grandchildren. Predeceased by five sisters and one brother and a great granddaughter Lindsey Nixon. Funeral Services will be held Saturday October 1 at 11:00am at the Hains Neck Methodist Church where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00am prior to the service. Burial will be at the Hains Neck cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory to the Hainsneck United Methodist Church 231 Haines Neck Rd. Mannington, NJ 08079.