WILLIAM RAY VANDERGRIFF

WILLIAM RAY VANDERGRIFF died February 24, 2012 at Methodist LeBonheur Germantown Hospital. He was born in Van Buren, Arkansas in 1922. Ray received his Master’s Degree from the University of Arkansas and was a proud Navy World War II veteran. During WWII, he served on several of the Pacific Islands including the Marianna Islands. Ray was awarded many decorations and medals including the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. He worked for the Federal Aviation Agency for over 25 years and was an active member of McLemore Christian Church. He is survived by his dearly beloved wife, Dodie Vandergriff of 62 years; two loving daughters and their spouses,, Tinian (Steele) Molloy of Memphis, Diane (Warren) Graves of Keller, Texas; two devoted grandchildren, Greer (Gene) Allen of Gastonia, NC and Robert Vandergriff “Griff” Grissom of Nashville. He also leaves his precious great-granddaughters, Gillian, Caroline Rae, and Annalise Allen. He is survived by his brothers, Bob (Betty) Vandergriff of Van Buren, AR, Harry (Anne) Vandergriff of Fayetteville, AR, and sister-in-law, Barbara Vandergriff of Escondido, CA, along with a host of other family members. A memorial service at Kirby Pines Retirement Community is being planned, but arrangements are incomplete at this time. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.