Clifford E. Griffis' Obituary
Clifford E. Griffis
Clifford E. Griffis passed away Saturday November 12, 2005 in Longview at the age of 85. He was born February 12, 1920 in Muskogee, Oklahoma and was born again 1930. Survived by his beloved wife Pauline, and son, George Clifford Griffis. His late wife Sue Lewis passed away in 1982 after 29 years of marriage. He then married his pre-war sweetheart Pauline Yeager Rowan who had retired as a private secretary for an oil company in Dallas in 1982. He graduated High School as a member of the Honor Society at McAlester, Oklahoma, then from Draughon?s Business College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Attended American University and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. While working for the U. S. Department of Labor, upon transferring to Dallas attending S.M. U. Worked as a traveling auditor for Hardware Mutual Ins. Co.., became Manager of Holland Furnace Co. in Tulsa, Oklahoma before moving to Longview in 1953 as East Texas Representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Became manager of Goodwill Publishers of religious books while owning and managing south green Fine Cars of Longview with my dear friend Bonnie Jones. Finally retired as rural mail carrier.
Mr. Griffis served as a Pilot in the U. S. 12th Air Force. Took a bullet in the Leg. Awarded the Air Medal, received E.T. Q Ribbon with clusters while serving in the European Theater of Operations WW2. Was an active Reservist for 15 years after discharge. Lifetime member of the V.F.W., was a member of the Knights of Pythias 126 since 1954. Ordained a Deacon at Northside Baptist Church 1962, Chairman of the Board for 9 years. Taught Sunday School 10 years then attending with his new wife at Mobberly Baptist Church, Fellowship Baptist and Northside Baptist Church. My two little dogs enjoyed the fellowship and treats with the folks at Pine Tree Lodge Nursing Home regularly. He was a member of the North Longview Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at Ten am Thursday November 17, 2005 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel 1617 Judson Road with Reverend Jay McCasland officiating. Burial will follow in White Cemetery under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
Memorials may be made to Jacobs Institute 114 N. Center Gladewater, Texas 75647 or Knights of Pythias Children?s home.
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