Spencer Frank Graybeal

Spencer Frank Graybeal, 93, of Morganton passed away Thursday, September 27, 2012. Born in Black Mountain, NC on April 4, 1919, he was the son of the late Esther Benfield Graybeal and Spencer Clarence Graybeal. In addition to his parents, Spencer was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret Wright Graybeal; his second wife, Jean Crawley Graybeal; sisters, Mabel Holland, Nora Mauro, and Fleeta Elliot; and brothers, James Graybeal, Bill Graybeal, and John Graybeal.Spencer served in the US Army during WWII, having been stationed in Iceland and England. He married his war-bride, Margaret Wright (1929-1988) and brought her to North Carolina, settling in Morganton and had two daughters, Dorothy and Barbara. He was also married to Jean Crawley (deceased) for many years and enjoyed camping with her and her family.He was a member of North Morganton United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He worked at Huffman Mills, Morganton Hosiery, and Valdese before retiring. He enjoyed gardening and working in his workshop. He enjoyed his last years with his wife, Ruby White Graybeal, going many places. They were very active with the senior group for games on Thursdays and bus trips to various vacation locations. They loved each other very much and were always doing something together. They had breakfast and lunch groups at Hardee’s and Wendy’s. They loved to drive to the mountains to visit relatives. Together with all their love and heart, they made people feel welcome in their home and feel like a part of the family.Spencer was always considerate of others, possessing high values that he passed on to his family. He was a loving and attentive husband, father, and grandfather.In addition to his wife, Spencer is survived by his daughters, Barbara "Babs" Waters and her husband, Don, of Miami, FL and Dorothy Chutter and her husband, Herb, of Spring Hill, FL; grandchildren, Eric Waters, Brittney Waters, and Adam Chutter and his wife, Aundrea; a great-grandson, Sam Chutter; a brother, Jack Graybeal; and a sister, Ruth Abee.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 29, 2012 at North Morganton United Methodist Church with Rev. Neill Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.