William "Bill" Alexander Griffith

In 1954, William “Bill” Griffith came to Marion, North Carolina, and one year later, he took over ownership of a downtown jewelry business, which became Bill Griffith Jewelry Store. Since 1955, it has been a mainstay in downtown Marion.

Mr. Griffith’s late wife, Charlotte, worked with him for 45 years, making sales, doing bookkeeping and handling the wedding registry. Their son, Tim, has worked full time in the business since 1977.

The store began in a small 9` x 60` space and remained there until the mid- 1980’s, when Bill moved into a much larger space next door. In 1995, he purchased the landmark building, becoming a downtown property owner and landlord. This building, originally built in 1933, is one of the tallest on Main Street with four floors including a full basement and around 20, 000 square feet.

Mr. Griffith was a founding member of the Marion Merchants Association in the 1950’s and served as president. The association organized downtown giveaways every Friday night during the Christmas shopping season with car giveaways, $100 bill giveaways and other promotions. Whatever promotions the Downtown Association was organizing, Bill Griffith was part of the action. Whether it was directing a parade, frying hamburgers, selling drinks, or giving out door-prizes, you could count on Bill to be a supporter, giving 100%.

He was involved in many civic activities including being president of the McDowell Chamber of Commerce in 1974. He was also involved with the Lion’s Club.

By the early 1980’s, as times and downtown changed, Griffith was instrumental in creating Marion’s Downtown Business Association.  Mr. Griffith served as the DBA’s second president and remained very active on the board of directors until just several years ago.

In 2006, Griffith was honored as the Main Street Champion for that year at the N.C. Main Street annual awards dinner in Morganton. Griffith was selected for this special recognition by the Marion Downtown Business Association in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process.

In March 2012, Griffith received another honor when he was chosen by Mayor Steve Little to be the Citizen of the Month.

Mr. Griffith was a leader in the community and was a dedicated jeweler to the very end

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Constance Scott; two sons, William “Pat” Griffith (Mary) and William “Tim” Griffith (Tisha) ; one daughter, Mary Rice and one step-son, Steven Benedict (Gennie). Mr. Griffith is also survived by a sister, Peggy Radovich; seven grandchildren, Jonna and Kate Griffith, James and Alexis Rice, James, Alexandria and Jasmine Griffith; and two step-grandchildren, Trey and Josh Benedict.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service with Reverends Jerry Lewis and Paul Adelgren officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted and appreciated. Those wishing to make a donation in Bill’s memory are asked to consider, The John F. Keever Solace Center, 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28803.