Kenosha – William Charles Griffie, 85, was born into Eternal Life on Sunday, November 12, 2006 after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. William was born on November 5th, 1921 to the late James and Lydia (nee: Fleming) Griffie, in Clarksville, Tennessee. William attended high school in Kentucky. He left home at 18 years of age, moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he joined the Armed Forces, serving for five years. In 1945 he married the late Erma Griffie and was married for 20 years. Always a hard worker, Griffie worked for American Motors, retiring in 1977 after 30 years. Griffie was multi-talented and owned and operated the Viaduct Club, in Kenosha, for many years. He loved gardening and being outdoors. On June 7th, 2006, Griffie married his loving faithful companion of 32 years, Merida O. Kirk. Mr. Griffie is survived by his loving wife and faithful companion of 32 years, Merida O. Kirk-Griffie; a special granddaughter, DeAndrea Woods of Racine; two nieces, Lydia Mae Moore of Indianapolis, Indiana and Treva G. Howard of Racine; a nephew, Edward L. Dixon, Jr. of Kenosha. Also, his two step-sons David (Rosalie) Kirk and Willie James Kirk of Racine and 2 step-daughters, Diana Hines of Racine and Evelyn Hamilton of Rochester, New York; seven grand children, four great-grandchildren, many cousins, many friends and other family members survive him. Griffie demonstrated his love for God and his family through the many loving deeds that he did. He became a member of Searching Together Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of his longtime coworker, Rev. Willie L. Riley. Homegoing services will be celebrated on Friday, November 17, 2006 at 11:00 am at Searching Together Baptist Church, 825 – 21st Street in Racine. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the S. Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Friday from 9:30 – 11 am. A special note of thanks to Dr. Abdul Durrani and to Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support that was so warmly extended to William during his illness.
kIM @ WISCONSIN FUEL AND HEATING says
I’am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.Griffie. When he would come into Wisconsin Fuel and Heating he always had a smile on his face. He was a very sweet man. Mrs. Griffie and family you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim – Wisconsin Fuel and Heating
Patti & Audie(HERC)Moore says
Mr. Griffie, you left a place in our family life that will never be forgotten.You were our other father and grandfather. You will be sadly missed and truly by us all. But you left “BOSS” a very good man. So we will always cherish you very special in our (MOORE’s),heart always. We love YOU,MR. GRIFFIE.PATTI,AUDIE(HERC)AND THE MOORE FAMILY.
Sandy (Bardwell) Redlin says
Mr. Griffie was always a very nice man. When he had the Viaduct we all called him the Captain.I think alot of people still do. I could go to the Viaduct by myself and he would always look out for me.If someone tried to talk to me he would tell them she is a married woman.He was very good friends to my late husband Donald Bardwell. They all ran around together. I’ll miss him and wish his family well.
Ron Benhoff says
I was lucky enough to meet Bill at the Viaduct Club when I worked for Northshore Novelty and Vending. He always had a good word to say and some practical jokes to play. He was also a very caring and sincere man who was known for helping out those who were not so well off.
Griff, you will be dearly missed by the many who had crossed your path.
Lorroli Williams says
To Edward Dixon and Family,
I will keep you in my prayers. Stay encouraged, be stronger and be blessed!
Whatever God has brought you to He can certainly get you through it.
Love always,
Lorroli