Kenneth Ray Griffith

Kenneth Ray Griffith, of Grapevine, Texas (formerly of Brenham, Texas) went home to Jesus, Friday, October 3, 2014. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014 in Brenham Memorial Chapel located at 2300 Stringer Street in Brenham, Texas. After the memorial service, interment will take place in Prairie Lea Cemetery.

He was born in Palestine, Texas, July 24, 1923, and was the son of Carl Cook Griffith and Mattie May Carr Griffith. As a young boy, growing up in the Great Depression Era, Kenneth worked many different jobs, as did his siblings, helping support his family. He was very proud of both his work ethic and academic abilities. Many times Kenneth attributed his initiative and “can do spirit” to both his teachers and the presence of the Lord in his life. Throughout his youth, Kenneth had a debilitating speech stutter. He often shared stories of how several teachers, recognizing his mental acuity; diligently worked with him to diminish his stuttering, thereby helping him develop his self-confidence and leadership abilities. Kenneth Griffith demonstrated his leadership throughout his 30+ years of military service; World War II in Calcutta, India, Fort Riley Kansas for OCS, the Korea War, Company Commander in Heidelberg, Germany, the Vietnam War and many other numerous duties and responsibilities. Having entered the Army/Air Force as an enlisted man, Kenneth later obtained the rank of Captain, of which he was very proud.

During his civilian life, Kenneth held several managerial positions including with Montgomery Ward and the Holiday Inn Hotel. Of all the civilian jobs Kenneth had, the most special one, dear to his heart, was his volunteer ministry to the people in the nursing homes of Brenham, Texas. Every Sunday, for almost 30 years, he could be found with his wife and pianists, either Katie May Barr or Gail Gaskamp, at a number of the Brenham nursing homes. Kenneth’s mellow, baritone voice could be heard singing, “Amazing Grace” and the message of God’s salvation and hope resonating among the participants. It is Kenneth’s servant’s heart which also led him and his wife, Rita, to volunteer for 12 years with the Brazos Valley Hospice and participate in worthy causes through a number of Brenham organizations and church led missions.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Charlotte Weinstein and husband, Stuart of Bedford, Texas, Dr. Rachel Griffith of Dallas, Texas, Dr. Karl Griffith and wife, Terri of Kerrville, Texas and Mark Griffith and wife Bronwyn of Grapevine, Texas and daughter-in-law, Shari Griffith of Katy, Texas. Other survivors include grandchildren: David Weinstein, Lynne McCollum, Caryn Schroeder, Keri Elizabeth Haywood, Ashley Griffith, Ian MacDonald Griffith, and Ryan Griffith. Surviving Great-Grandchildren include: Aaron and Evan Schroeder, Rachel Weinstein and Noah and Ellie McCollum. Kenneth is also survived by his extended family of beloved cousins in England, Ireland and Australia. Preceding him in death was his wife of 68 years, Rita Clarene Griffith, their son, David MacDonald Griffith, his brothers, Jack Griffith and Robert Griffith and his sisters, Pauline Mehaffy and Katie Wilson.

Kenneth leaves a rich legacy for his children, family and friends. Having met his wife Rita, in India, and bringing her to America, he showed us how to embrace differences, love unconditionally and make the Lord the center of all things. Through the trials of wars, separation from family, the loss of dear friends and burying his son, David; Kenneth demonstrated that “God is good” and “through Christ, all things are possible.” Kenneth’s family will treasure the memories of his reading the story of Christ’s birth, on Christmas mornings, the early morning fishing trips, walks around his backyard garden, his memories of how he met Rita, the family trips to different historical sites in Europe and the U.S., and how much he loved ole’ Western movies and Zane Grey novels.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Condolences may be offered at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com