William Edward Griffis, Jr., passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Medical Center of Humboldt, TN. He was 87 years old.
Mr. Griffis was a graduate of Jonesboro High School, Arkansas State College all in Jonesboro, AR. He also graduated from Memphis State in 1954.
He was a staff Sargent in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and held military decorations of that era. He was also an “atomic vet” serving in Camp Desert Rock, NV. He fought cancer much of his life as a result of this service. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He believed in community service and was Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster of Pack 15 and Troop 15. He served as Commander of the first class of Madison County Sheriff’s Reserves that graduated in 1979.
Mr. Griffis was a pharmaceutical salesman for GlaxoSmithKline and retired in 1987 with thirty years of service.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Anna C. Griffis, two sons from his first marriage, Philip F. Griffis and Robert E. Griffis. His extended family includes Butch and Joy Sharp of Memphis, TN, Robert R. Sharp and Deanna of Jackson, TN, Fred and Becky Gerson of Jackson, TN; seven grandchildren, Ben Sharp, John Sharp, Shawn Jordon, P.J. and Tricia Griffis and Jemery and Jennifer Sharp. He also has seventeen great grandchildren.
SERVICES: A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 5, 2017 in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery with military honors.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway 668-1111www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com
