John Dalton Whitford

John Dalton Whitford, 91, of Grantsboro, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

Dalton was a lifelong member of New Bethlehem Free Will Baptist Church. Throughout his many years of faithful service, he served on the Deacon Board and Board of Trustees and taught Sunday school. His faith was not simply something he professed-it was something he lived each day

He was a farmer at heart and devoted his entire life to working the land. He loved farming and took great pride in caring for the land that had been such an important part of his life. His knowledge, dedication, and love for agriculture led him to serve in numerous agricultural and community organizations. He served on the USDA Farm Service Agency County Committee, the Pamlico County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Pamlico Soil & Water Board of Supervisors, and for many years on the local Farm Credit Board of Directors. He also served on the Pamlico County Health Board. Through each of these roles, Dalton gave generously of his time, knowledge, and experience, always striving to make his community and the agricultural community a better place.

In his younger years, Dalton enjoyed fishing and hunting, finding much happiness in the outdoors. Following retirement, he and his beloved wife, Celia, enjoyed traveling together and visiting many places throughout the country. They especially enjoyed taking bus tours, making wonderful memories and sharing new adventures together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Kittie Whitford and twin brother, Calton Whitford.

While Dalton took great pride in his farm and community, his Lord, church, and family were closest to his heart. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 66 years, Celia Spruill Whitford and brother, Scottie Whitford.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4th, at New Bethlehem FWB Church, with Rev. Ashley Trogdon and Pastor Dwayne Boyd officiating. Interment will follow immediately in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Bethlehem FWB Church Building Fund, c/o Scottie Whitford, 1903 Scotts Store Rd. Grantsboro, NC 28529.