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. today at the Phalti Baptist Church Cemetery in Prentiss under the direction of Spencer Funeral Home in Fayette.

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

Mr. Griffith was born Nov. 15, 1918, in Mount Olive, the son of Walter Dan and Sarah Stewart Griffith. He was a graduate of Clem High School and received a bachelors 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, La., Stephen Lee Griffith and wife, Olga, of Mobile and Heather Marie Mathias and husband, Ryan, of Anchorage, Alaska; two great- grandchildren and one due in June; one stepdaughter, Gayle H. Wade and husband, Jerry, of Hermanville; two step-grandchildren, Wayne Wade and wife, Samantha, of Fulton, and Chad Wade and wife, Shannon, of Van Cleave; four step-great- grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth S. Griffith of Hernando; one nephew, Charles Scott and wife, Vicky; and one great-nephew, Christopher Scott of Hernando.

The family expresses their sincere thanks to all those at the , Odyssey Hospice and The Blake for their love and care of their loved one.

Memorials may be made to the Fayette Baptist Church.