Robert Garland Griffith

Published 12:01 am Monday, May 2, 2011

Nov. 15,1918 – April 29, 2011

FAYETTE — Graveside services for Robert Garland Griffith, 92, of Fayette, who died Friday, April 29, 2011, at The Arbor in Ridgeland, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Phalti Baptist Church Cemetery in Prentiss, under the direction of Spencer Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Fayette Baptist Church.

Mr. Griffith was born Nov. 15, 1918, in Mount Olive, the son of Sarah Stewart and Walter Dan Griffith. He graduated from Clem High School and received a bachelor’s of science in agriculture from Mississippi State University. He served his country in the U.S. Army with the 28th Infantry, 8th infantry Division in Normandy, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was presented a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and American Defense Service Ribbon. He retired as a full Colonel after more than 30 years of active and reserve service.

Mr. Griffith was a long time member of the Fayette Baptist Church and served as a deacon, treasurer and Sunday school teacher. He was a Mason and served as master of his lodge in Fayette and was also a member of the American Legion. He served as the county executive director of the Jefferson County ASCS until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Henrietta S. Griffith; his wife Virginia G. Griffith and brothers Archie Griffith and T.H. “Tip” Griffith.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Daniel Griffith and wife, Patsy, of Madison, and Henry Lee Griffith and wife, Jean, of Mobile, Ala.; three grandchildren, Patricia Danielle Griffith of Shreveport, Stephen Lee Griffith and wife, Olga, of Mobile and Heather Marie Mathias and husband, Ryan of Anchorage, Alaska; two great-granddaughters and one due in June; one step-daughter, Gayler H. Wade and husband, Jerry, of Hermanville; two step-grandchildren Wayne Griffith and wife, Samantha, of Fulton, and Chad Griffith and wife, Shannon, of Vancleave; four step-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elizabeth S. Griffith of Hernando; one nephew, Charles Scott and wife, Vick, of Hernando, and one great-nephew, Christopher Scott of Hernando.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all those at the Arbor Odyssey Hospice and The Blake for their love and care of our loved one.

Memorials may be made to the Fayette Baptist Church.