November 12, 1935 ~ May 6, 2010
Funeral services for William Johnson "Bill" Griffis, 74, of Hughes Springs will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, May 10, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs with the Rev. Daniel Bramlett officiating. Burial will follow in Hughes Springs Cemetery under direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home, Inc. in Hughes Springs. Mr. Griffis was born in Avinger on November 12, 1935. He was the son of Oby and Carrie Mae Johnson Griffis. He was a graduate of Avinger High School and attended Texarkana College and East Texas State University. On June 10, 1956 he married Carol Jones Griffis. William worked at Lone Star Steel for 30 years in various departments. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Knight's Templar. He held the Grand Lodge Offices of District Deputy and Education Officer. Bill was awarded the Crystal Globe Award for outstanding community service from the Masonic Lodge and the Life Time Achievement Award. He also received the Golden Trowel Award, which is the highest achievement award of the Grand Lodge. Bill was preceded n death by his parents; one sister Bonnie LaMerle Griffis Traylor and one brother Charlie Joe Griffis. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Carol Jones Griffis of Hughes Springs; one daughter Pamela Kaye Griffis Owen and son-in-law Mark Owen of Royse City and son Willaim Allan Charles Griffis and daughter-in-law Barbara; grandchildren David Owen, Julie and Aaron New, Jill and Cooper Crowell, Dylan Owen, Weston Griffis, Kendall Griffis, Greg and Jerilyn Goolsby, Melissa and Scott Cooney and Tennille Goolsby; great grandchildren Emmalyn New,Rustyn Goolsby, Grelyn Goolsby, Taylor and Vinson Wood, McKensie Green, Zach Sewell, Garrett Easley, Mattison Easley, Lilly Easley and Brandon Reynolds;great grandchild Chole Wood; nephews Charles Randolph and wife Dolly Traylor,Billy Michael and wife Linda Traylor. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Mother's Day Sunday at the funeral home in Hughes Springs. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to Scottish Rite Hospital or the Hughes Springs Area Foundation.
Guestbook
We are very sorry for your loss
Dear Carol,Jimmy and I are so sorry about the loss of Bill. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Carol, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Bill. He was a GREAT man! I will pray that God will HOLD you in HIS loving arms and that he will give you the strength and comfort you need to face in days ahead. I love you.Sallee
Mrs. Griffis,I am so sorry for your loss. My prayer is that God will give you the strength to get through this time in your life and that the love of you family will sustain you.
Judy and I were so sorry to read of you'll loss. We will put you and your family in our prayers.
Carol, I am so sorry to hear about Bill… you both were two of my favorite people. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Mrs. Griffis-You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Griffis, you both have always been very special people to me. I pray for God to give you the strength and comfort you need.
Mrs. Griffis, Pam & Family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news. Mr. Griffis was such a sweet man. Just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you.
Dear Carol and family:I am so sorry to hear of my dear cousin and Bro. Bill's passing. I'd give anything to be in Hughes Springs tomorrow, but I simply can't. Please know that Jane and Will join me in sending our prayers in your loss. – Jim
My prayer for you is that in time the pain of the loss of William will be lessened with memories of all those good times the two of you had. I love you and I am so sorry.
Carol,I am so sorry about your loss. Daddy loved him so much. When I heard the news, I thought of the reunion he and Dad are having in heaven. I just know Daddy was there to meet him. I will be praying for you.Love, Nan
Mrs. Griffis, Pam and Allen-We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Debbie and Mike Burke
mrs.g. as you should know our thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family at this time,thanks for choosing us as friends and helping to educate our kids.
May God's promise comfort your sorrow. With Deepest Sympathy, Richard & MicheleLowrey
I first got to know Mr. Bill while in high school with Mrs. Griffis as teacher and Pam as a good friend. I then got to know him better working at Lone Star Steel. I will always remember his smile and warm hugs! Mrs. Griffis, Pam and Allen my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our prayers are with you during this loss of such a sweet man.
You and all of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mrs Griffis I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God Comfort and Keep you during this time. I would also like to take this time to say "Thank You"! I owe so much of my success to you. May God Bless you and your family! Teresa and Joe Kimble
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Griffis was a wonderful man that brought great joy to many of us. God bless you.